Washington Commanders Underrated Choice for 2026

2025 Season Collapse

The 2024 squad advanced to the NFC Championship, but the following year the Commanders managed only five victories. A cascade of injuries and the loss of key contributors turned what could have been a winning campaign into a 5‑12 nightmare. The season ended with a Week 14 shutout in Minnesota, sealing a third‑place finish in the NFC East. Jason Katz of the Pro Football Sports Network went so far as to label Washington the league’s biggest sleeper on his Football Debate Club podcast.

Katz opened his segment with a blunt assessment: “There’s no debating Washington’s 2025 season. It was a disaster.” He walked listeners through the slide—alternating wins and losses through five games, then eight straight defeats. The final ledger of 5‑12, Katz argued, does not fully capture the underlying talent that was masked by injury reports.

Key Injuries That Stripped the Team

Among the most damaging absences were quarterback Jayden Daniels, wideout Terry McLaurin, running back Austin Ekeler, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and tight end Zach Ertz. Ekeler and Ertz have moved on, leaving a void that still affects the roster. Combined with the sheer volume of injured players, the 2025 record reads more like a medical ledger than a true gauge of ability.

The impact of these losses extended beyond the field; the team’s defensive unit struggled without Armstrong’s pass‑rush pressure, and the offensive rhythm faltered without Daniels’ arm and McLaurin’s routes. Even with the roster depleted, the core talent that remains suggests a more competitive future.

Offseason Overhaul Sets Up 2026

This summer brought a slew of roster and coaching changes, signaling a fresh start. The defense has been revamped, and new coordinators have been brought in to redesign schemes. Daniels and McLaurin are now healthy and expected to lead a re‑tooled offense. The shifts indicate the franchise is positioning itself for a resurgence rather than a repeat of 2025’s struggles.

Because of these adjustments, many analysts are warning that Washington could be one of the NFL’s most underrated teams heading into 2026. Those who dismiss the Commanders may be caught off‑guard when the pieces fall into place and the squad re‑emerges as a contender.

Why Jason Katz Calls Them a Sleeper

On the Football Debate Club podcast, Katz argued that the 5‑12 mark is misleading. “But were they as bad as their 5‑12 record might suggest? I say no,” he insisted. His recommendation highlights a team that, despite a disastrous season, retains enough quality players to compete when health returns.

Katz’s take aligns with the broader narrative that the 2025 debacle was an aberration caused by injury misfortune. The offseason overhaul, combined with the return of key playmakers, gives the Commanders a solid foundation for a bounce‑back campaign.

Looking Ahead: The Underrated Threat

When the 2026 season arrives, fans and opponents should watch Washington closely. The combination of a healthier roster, defensive upgrades, and strategic coaching hires creates a scenario where the Commanders could exceed expectations. The league’s sleeper pick narrative is gaining traction, and the team’s resurgence could reshape the NFC East’s competitive landscape.

The original piece appeared on Commanders Wire, but the core message remains the same: don’t count Washington out just yet. The ingredients for a successful season are in place, and the skeptics may be surprised by what the Commanders can achieve.