The Eternal Wait is Over: NFL Week 1 is Here!

The 2025 NFL season is finally upon us, and it all starts with Week 1! The big question in Washington: can the Commanders, led by outstanding sophomore QB Jayden Daniels, build on last year's success?

Notable additions across the offensive line, like veteran LT Laremy Tunsil and first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr., should help keep Jayden upright. Daniels and OC Kliff Kingsbury seem to have a perfect weapon in the strength and versatility of Deebo Samuel.

Alongside Terry McLaurin, Deebo might provide that extra spark the WR room was missing in 2024. His hybrid skillset, especially in short-yardage and red zone situations, is expected to make him a pivotal weapon.

Each week, Christian will provide a quick-read pre-game blog—something to pass the time before kickoff!

Hot Take

What’s a bold prediction for Week 1?

I’m going with Jayden Daniels using his legs to take it to the house from 40 yards out. I can see the Giants' DL being overly pass-rush happy, which could provide opportunities for the elusive JD5. Do we want Jayden scrambling around?

Not particularly, for his long-term health, but boy, is he fast. Week 1 might provide one of those dazzling moments. I’ll double down and suggest that Daniels rushes for more yards than any Washington RB.

History

In 2024, the Commanders swept the Giants, winning both matchups. However, they were close fights; the Week 2 victory came via a perfect 7-for-7 performance from then-kicker Austin Seibert. The all-time record favors the New York Giants, who lead the series 108-73-5.

Key Matchups

• Commanders Secondary vs. Malik Nabers: The Commanders' secondary will have its hands full with second-year Giants WR Malik Nabers. With Russell Wilson now in town, expect the deep ball to be a part of the game plan. Nabers moves around, but Commanders rookie Trey Amos will likely be the main cornerback tasked with covering him.

• Laremy Tunsil vs. Abdul Carter: On the other side of the ball, Giants rookie Abdul Carter has been hyped as the ‘next Micah Parsons.’ In college, he predominantly lined up against left tackles—and the Commanders have beefed up that very spot with stud Laremy Tunsil. This matchup is as intriguing as it gets. Bonus: Tunsil can also mentor Brandon Coleman, who has moved inside to guard.

  
  

Keys to a Win

• Negate the Pass Rush: The Giants have invested heavily upfront. The Commanders must scheme to get the ball out of Daniels' hands quickly. Expect a heavy dose of RPOs—Daniels has the skillset to keep the Giants' defense guessing and underline his credentials as a top-tier NFL QB.

• Contain Malik Nabers: Outside of Nabers, the Giants' weapons are limited. You won't contain him all game, but playing with discipline, especially when Wilson inevitably goes long, is crucial.

Spotlight Player(s)

A bit of a cheat here, but let’s spotlight a group: the running backs. With the burgundy & gold moving away from Brian Robinson Jr. as the featured back, who will carry the load? Will it be strictly ‘by committee’? I’m intrigued to see if Chris Rodriguez takes the first snap as the (kind of) RB1.

One guy who is maybe being forgotten: DL Daron Payne. Especially in a contract year and with Jon Allen gone, now is the time for Payne to get back to his full 2022 form, when he registered 11.5 sacks.

Prediction

In my opinion, Giants QB Russell Wilson is past his best. Yeah, there's the Moon Ball and all that jazz, but it feels like New York is where the Commanders were pre-Jayden Daniels. They have a strong DL and a future Hall of Famer in Dexter Lawrence, who can create massive problems for the interior OL.

But quarterback is where the magic happens. In front of a sellout Northwest Stadium crowd, the Commanders rack up 28 points to the Giants' 17.