Jayden Daniels and Commanders could surprise in 2026

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders had a strong and exciting 2024, but then, 2025 hit hard, and not in a good way.

A lot of that had to do with injuries. Even the best teams can’t do well when their best players are on the bench.

The Commanders were 5-12 at the end of last season and No. 3 in the NFC East. It wasn’t pretty. It also doesn’t help that they have the Eagles and Cowboys in their division, making big moves during the offseason to get stronger.

But it’s a new year. Daniels and the Commanders could make a turnaround this season. Daniels is healthy again and fully cleared to participate in the team’s offseason program. His 2025 season was plagued with injuries, including nasty knee and hamstring sprains and a dislocated elbow, but now, he’s back, and he could be the difference-maker.

But that’s still a “could,” and one NFL analyst doesn’t think they’re going to be a very exciting team to watch in 2026. However, I disagree.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today names Daniels and the Commanders one of the least entertaining teams to watch in 2026. He has them at No. 23 out of the NFL’s 32 teams. He says they won’t bring many “fireworks,” but I beg to differ.

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“A reset could go a long way toward revitalizing Jayden Daniels after the quarterback’s injury-marred follow-up to his 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign,” he says. “But first-time coordinator David Blough is implementing a system that should skew heavier toward under-center runs for a group that offers limited assistance to Daniels. Don’t expect too many fireworks.”

Why People Shouldn’t Give up on The Washington Commanders

So, they may not be the absolute most exciting team to watch in the league, but I think still the Commanders have lots of entertainment value. First, with Daniels back and healthy again, if he avoids injury, this could be his MVP season. People forget how hot he was in 2024. He can build on that, so long as he’s able to play.

Also, Dan Quinn is one of the brightest head coaches in the league. He’s angry after last year’s poor showing and has something to prove. Between Quinn and general manager Adam Peters making moves this offseason and Daniels being healthy again, this is a team to watch.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 1:35 PM.