The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Commanders’ 2023 season was something of a disaster. Sam Howell showed promise at times as a passer, but the line couldn’t hold up. The defense couldn’t hold up either. The team struggled to four wins and the No. 2 overall pick, which spelled the end for Ron Rivera as the Commanders’ coach. The team brought in Dan Quinn as the new Head Coach and began a massive overhaul. Will it work? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Commanders are starting over at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett left for the Patriots, while Howell was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. In addition, the team saw running back Antonio Gibson sign with New England and receiver Curtis Samuel sign with the Buffalo Bills. The team also traded Jahan Dotson to the Eagles to end Training Camp. But the Commanders brought in a lot of pieces, too. Tyler Biadasz and Dante Fowler, Jr., followed Quinn from Dallas, while the team brought in veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota and veteran safety Jeremy Chinn. To fill the void in the backfield, the Commanders signed former Charger Austin Ekeler. In seven seasons with the Chargers, Ekeler rushed for 4,355 yards and 39 touchdowns, catching 440 passes. He’s a weapon for the offense.

In the draft, the team used the No. 2 overall pick to snag Jayden Daniels as its new quarterback. In two seasons in LSU, Daniels threw for 6,725 yards and 57 touchdowns. In the draft the team also grabbed some weapons, taking tight end Ben Sinnott and receiver Luke McCaffrey. The Commanders also addressed the defense, grabbing defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton in the Second Round to give Quinn a cog up front.

Fantasy Prospects

How will Daniels fare as a rookie? He has good skills and should have some fantasy upside. He could even explode into QB1 range, but I like him better as a QB2 in 2024. He’s got great dynasty upside. In the backfield it’s Ekeler and Brian Robinson, Jr., leading the way. I think Robinson will be more of a rusher and Ekeler more of a weapon and asset in the passing game. I like both to finish in RB3 range.

In the passing game, Terry McLaurin leads the way. He was WR31 in 2023, but I think he can top that in 2024. I like him as a low-end WR2. With Dotson gone, the door is wide open behind McLaurin. Dyami Brown has had a connection with Daniels this off-season and I think he could put up some WR5/flex numbers. This could also give McCaffrey a role in year one. At tight end, the team has veteran Zach Ertz to pair with Sinnott. I like both to contribute in 2024, with Sinnott being a great dynasty add. I think by the end of the season Sinnott will have worked into TE2 range.

Prediction

The Commanders are a team trying to build. While a lot of attention has focused on the bears and rookie Caleb Williams, the Commanders have been more under-the-radar. And yet, I think the pieces are in place for them to win eight or nine games and be competitive throughout the season.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.