Optimism is at an all-time high in the nation’s capital as the Washington Commanders prepare for the 2025 NFL season. After a breakout 12-5 campaign and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, the bar has been raised, and expectations have followed.

Much of the excitement centers around second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose electric rookie season breathed new life into the franchise. Now, with the offseason additions of All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil and dynamic wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Washington appears poised to take another leap forward.

While training camp is still weeks away, early projections for the Commanders have shifted from postseason aspirations to Super Bowl potential. NFL wide receiver Robbie Chosen Anderson believes Washington could have the league’s top offense next season.

“I love that offense. I think that they have the potential to be more than top-three. I think they could be the best offense in the NFL. I say that because they have the defense to help them do so. They didn’t lose anybody. They’ve only had additions, and for what they did in one year, and what Cliff has done with the offense, that offense has the capabilities to let everybody do what they’re great at and utilize everybody to their highest potential. So I think they have the potential to be one of the best, for sure.”

Anderson, currently a free agent, could be buttering up the Commanders to get a contract offer, but there is some truth to his statement. Washington ranked 7th in the NFL in total yards last year (369.6 per game) and was a top-five scoring offense, averaging 28.5 points per contest.

Jayden Daniels could be the victim of a sophomore slump, however. Texans QB C.J. Stroud is the latest example, as he experienced a statistical decline in 2024 after winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

C.J. Stroud stats by year

With offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury forgoing head coaching opportunities elsewhere to remain in Washington, Daniels won’t have to learn a new offense. The continuity between a play-caller and quarterback is instrumental for player development, something that Kingsbury acknowledges heading into 2025.

“It’s huge,” Kingsbury said. “I think you look traditionally through the NFL, the guys who’ve had a ton of success have been able to stay in those (systems) long-term. Just the comfort level, and then you being able to take the ownership of it and understand it inside and out, where now you’re correcting people, you don’t even need the coaches, and he’s kind of getting to that point.”

After decades of inconsistency, the Commanders may finally have the roster, the momentum, and the leadership to make a legitimate run at the Lombardi Trophy.