Quarterback Is the Anchor
The Commanders are trying to win with a spread and RPO offense built around Jayden Daniels creating stress with his arm and legs. Terry McLaurin and Chig Okonkwo give the offense two more ways to create matchup problems.
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Washington Commanders 2026 Team Rankings and Ratings
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79.0PFM Team Scorei
PFM Verdict
Why PFM Ranks the Commanders Here
Jayden Daniels gives Washington above-average quarterback play. Washington's ranking reflects questions about defensive consistency and keeping the quarterback healthy over a full season.
NFL Rank#18Current PFM ranking
NFC Rank#8Among NFC teams
QB Stability#11Jayden Daniels · Built to Trust
Season OutlookIn the Playoff Mix
Head coachDan Quinn
Offensive coordinatorDavid Blough
Defensive coordinatorDaronte Jones
Latest Ratings Update
Updated Aug 11, 2026PFM Trend
Latest directionDeclined
Washington Commanders' rating took a step back after Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps and was ruled out for significant time. Stefon Diggs and the Commanders' veteran offensive-line additions softened the loss.
PFM Team Score79.0
Score movement-0.17
NFL RankNo. 18
Rank movementDown 1 spot
Offense StrengthDeclined82.4 → 81.9 · -0.49
Roster StrengthDeclined80.5 → 80.1 · -0.44
Defense StrengthDeclined75.7 → 75.4 · -0.34
PFM Team DNA
View all NFL team rankingsWashington Commanders Team DNA
What Has to Hold
Dan Quinn is the swing factor. The staff has to solve defensive consistency and keeping Daniels healthy over a full season. Washington added Odafe Oweh, invested in defensive help and reinforced the line around the quarterback.
Jayden Daniels Gives Washington Its Weekly Edge
Daniels stresses a defense with both his arm and legs, which drives the 11th-ranked quarterback grade. Washington gets into trouble when the defense cannot get off the field and too much of the game lands on him.
Washington’s Defense Decides Whether Leads Hold
The offense grades 6.5 points better, but the more important football issue is third-down defense. Dan Quinn’s pressure package can attack protections; it still needs cleaner coverage and tackling behind the rush so drives do not keep extending.
PFM ROAD AHEAD
2026 Washington Commanders Strength of Schedule
Washington sits near the middle of the league at No. 18 in schedule strength, with opponents averaging 80.3. San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams create the toughest stretch, but 6 games against current top-10 teams keep the schedule from belonging at either extreme.
Difficulty Rank#18No. 1 is toughest
Opponent PFM Avg.80.3Average across opponents
Next 3 Avg.85.0Upcoming opponents
Top-10 Matchups6Games vs. current top 10
Away games left8
Top-10 road opponents2
at Philadelphia Eagles86.2 PFM · #6
Sep 13 · 4:25 pmAwayTop 10
at Dallas Cowboys77.4 PFM · #21
Sep 20 · 4:25 pmAway
vs. Seattle Seahawks91.3 PFM · #1
Sep 27 · 1:00 pmHomeTop 10
Toughest remaining opponent: Seattle Seahawks at 91.3 PFM.
PFM Reporter
Jer'Zhan Newton's Pectoral Injury Looks to be Serious
Jer'Zhan Newton injured his pectoral during Washington's preseason game against Miami and Dan Quinn said the injury could be long term while Newton seeks a specialist opinion.
That matters for a defense PFM already ranks 24th and identifies as the part of the team that needed to improve after last year. We will wait for an official diagnosis but this injury hurts the Commanders DL depth.
Analysis updatedAugust 19, 2026
Around the League
League Context
Closest Team DNA Match
Built Like Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay BuccaneersMatch distance: 2.79 rating points
Shared profile: Offense and Roster Strength.
Washington uses the offensive line to force coverage adjustments before the snap; Tampa Bay gets downfield pressure from the offensive line. The connection in Offensive Rating and Roster Strength is a second answer when the preferred matchup or personnel package gets taken away. The clear separation is QB Stability, where Washington has the steadier answer on difficult downs.
Where they separate: QB Stability. Commanders hold the stronger current rating.
Division Pressure
NFC East
Washington Commanders sits 2nd in the division, 7.2 PFM points from Philadelphia.
Supporting Team Information
More About the Team
Washington Commanders in the Super Bowl Era
Washington is 3–2 in the Super Bowl and last won in Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.
- Super Bowl Titles
- 3
- Super Bowl Appearances
- 5
- Super Bowl Record
- 3–2
- Last Appearance
- 1992 Super Bowl XXVI
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