Despite a 3–2 start, the Commanders subsequently went on a 8-game losing streak afterwards to fall to 3–10, as numerous injuries to key players (including quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin) plagued the team. The Commanders failed to improve upon their 12–5 record from the previous season, and failed to match that record with their sixth loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9. Their 3–10 was their worst start since 2019 when they were known as the Redskins. They were the first NFL team since the 2002 Arizona Cardinals to lose four consecutive games by 21 or more points. Following their shutout loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, the Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Commanders traded third- and seventh-round selections (79th and 236th overall), and 2026 second- and fourth-round selections to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round selection (128th overall) and LT Laremy Tunsil.[11]
The Commanders traded a fifth-round selection and WR Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two seventh-round selections and a conditional third-round selection. The condition – that Washington would receive the higher of Miami or Philadelphia's third-round selection in 2025 – was converted on December 8, 2024, when the Eagles clinched a playoff spot, ensuring the Dolphins' pick would be higher than the Eagles' own.[12]
The Commanders traded third-, fourth-, and sixth-round selections to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a fifth-round selection and CB Marshon Lattimore.[13]
Nick Bellore, Zach Ertz, and Frankie Luvu served as game captains. The Commanders were down 14–3 at halftime, and 17–3 at the end of the third quarter, but managed to outscore the Packers 15–10 in the 4th quarter. However, this was not enough to seal the win, as the Packers took a knee to run out the clock. Austin Ekeler would be lost for the season with an Achilles injury.
Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Washington vs. the Las Vegas Raiders
Week 3: Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders
Marcus Mariota, Quan Martin, and Tress Way served as game captains. The Commanders had an extremely disappointing game against the Michael Penix Jr.–led Atlanta Falcons, as they were upset with a loss of 34–27. With their first loss to Atlanta since 2018, the Commanders fell to 2–2.
Week 5: at Los Angeles Chargers
Washington vs. the Los Angeles Chargers
Week 5: Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers
After allowing the Chargers to score the first 10 points, the Commanders shut them out for the remainder of the game and scored 27 unanswered points en route to a 27–10 victory. With the win, the Commanders improved to 3–2 and recorded their first road victory against the Chargers since the 1986 season, when the team was known as the San Diego Chargers.[18]
Quarterback Jayden Daniels became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards within his first 20 career games.[19]
In a rematch of last season’s thrilling game, which ended with a walk-off Hail Mary by Washington, it was the Bears who delivered the final blow this time, upsetting Washington 25–24. The Bears controlled much of the first half, but the game tightened in the third quarter as both teams traded scores to change the lead. With just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Washington held a 24–22 lead until a botched handoff between quarterback Daniels and Jeremy McNichols resulted in a fumble and turnover. The Bears capitalized on the mistake, and kicker Jake Moody sealed the win with a walk-off field goal on the ensuing drive. With the loss, Washington fell to 3–3.[20]
Chris Paul, Tyler Owens, and Von Miller served as game captains. The Commanders had an extremely disappointing game against the Dak Prescott–led Dallas Cowboys, as they were upset with a blowout loss of 44–22. With the loss, the Commanders fell to 3–4.
Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8: Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs
During the fourth quarter of the game, Jayden Daniels sustained a dislocated left elbow, an injury that was later announced would sideline him for the next three games.[22]
Donald Trump was in attendance for this game, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NFL game since Jimmy Carter in October 1978, leading to extra security measures enacted and Air Force One flying over the stadium in the first quarter.[23] Trump also spoke from the broadcast booth with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma during the third quarter, including providing reactionary commentary on Deebo Samuel’s touchdown.[24] Trump was booed by Commanders fans when he appeared on the jumbotron at halftime.[25]
With the blowout loss, Washington fell to 3–7 for the first time since 2020.
On the first play of overtime, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota threw an interception to Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones, which set up a game-winning 29-yard field goal by Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson.[28]
The Commanders had an extremely disappointing game against the Tua Tagovailoa-led Dolphins, as they were upset with an overtime loss of 16–13. With their second loss to Miami since 2023, the Commanders fell to 3–8 and extended their losing streak to six games.
Following the game, the Commanders released kicker Matt Gay, who missed two of his four field-goal attempts, including one with 15 seconds remaining in regulation that would have won the game for Washington.[29]
In overtime, after Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to a touchdown, the team opted to attempt a two-point conversion for the win. However, Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto batted away Mariota’s pass, allowing the Broncos to hold on for the victory. With their seventh straight loss, the Commanders fell to 3–9 and finished 2–2 against the AFC West and 2–3 against the AFC.
Week 14: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 14: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings
Midway through the third quarter, Jayden Daniels was forced out of the game after he was blocked during an interception return and landed hard on the left elbow he dislocated last month requiring a three-game absence. Additionally, Zach Ertz suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.[30]
Washington suffered its first shutout loss since a 9–0 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2019 season and was eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.[31] The Commanders were additionally swept by the NFC North.
Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, and Jordan Magee served as game captains. With the win over the Giants, the Commanders improved to 4–10 and snapped their eight-game losing streak, sweeping the Giants for the second season in a row.
The following day, the Commanders announced that they would shut down Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the season and start backup quarterback Marcus Mariota in his place.[32]
Week 16: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week 16: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
Despite holding a 10–7 lead at halftime, the Commanders allowed 22 points in the second half, including touchdowns to tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley. In the third quarter, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game due to injury and was replaced by third-stringer Josh Johnson. With their ninth loss in their last ten games, the Commanders fell to 4–11 and 2–2 against the NFC East.
During the fourth quarter, a brawl broke out involving two Commanders defenders, defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and safety Quan Martin, and one Eagles player, offensive lineman Tyler Steen. All three were disqualified after being flagged for unnecessary roughness during the altercation.[33]
With the loss, the Commanders dropped to 4–12 (2–3 against the NFC East), went winless when wearing the Super Bowl Era alternate uniform, and were swept by the Cowboys for the third time in five years. They finished 2–6 at home.
Week 18: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 18: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Jacob Martin, Jeremy McNichols, and Colson Yankoff served as game captains. With the win, the Commanders finished their season with a 5–12 record, while also going 3–3 against the NFC East and 3–6 on the road.
LA Rams finished ahead of San Francisco based on common games (LA Rams 9–3 to San Francisco 8–4 against: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Tennessee).
Tampa Bay finished ahead of Atlanta based on common games (Tampa Bay 6–6 to Atlanta 5–7 against: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, LA Rams, Miami, New England, New Orleans, NY Jets, San Francisco and Seattle).
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Madrid)
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