Breaking Down the QB Matchups: Commanders Gain Advantage with Daniels

The NFL remains quintessentially quarterback-driven, and in 2025, the Washington Commanders enter the season with one of the league’s most promising young signal callers. Jayden Daniels ranks as the fifth-best quarterback in the NFL according to ESPN’s league executives, coaches, and scouts voting, a testament to his blend of athleticism, arm strength, and poise. When breaking down Washington’s schedule strictly by the “who has the better quarterback” measure, Jayden Daniels gives the Commanders a favorable edge in 15 of their 17 games, according to NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr.

That edge matters. In today’s NFL, the team with the steadier quarterback usually controls tempo, dictates momentum, and wins more often than not. Let’s examine the 2025 regular season through the lens of Daniels versus each opponent’s starter according to Lewis.

Commanders Favored in Majority of QB Battles

Week 1 vs Giants – New York turns to former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson to turn around a moribund offense. Daniels, however, brings more ability and playmaking talent. Edge: Commanders.

Week 2 at Packers – Jordan Love remains the starter. Love flashes tremendous upside, but Daniels outclasses him with versatility. Edge: Commanders.

Week 3 vs Raiders – Las Vegas rolls with Geno Smith. While steady, Smith lacks Daniels’ ceiling. Edge: Commanders.

Week 4 at Falcons – Atlanta hands the ball to Michael Penix Jr. Though talented, his inexperience shows. Edge: Commanders.

Week 5 at Chargers – Justin Herbert stands tall as one of the league’s best, but has never put it all together. Daniels will return to his West Coast roots looking to put on a show. Slight Edge: Commanders.

Week 6 vs Bears – Caleb Williams owns hype as the former top pick, but Daniels, the second overall pick behind Williams from the 2024 draft, is already established. Edge: Commanders.

Week 7 at Cowboys – Dallas leans on Dak Prescott. Daniels’ vision and mobility inspire more trust against a Micah Parsons-less defense. Edge: Commanders.

Week 8 at Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes remains the standard. Edge: Chiefs.

Week 9 vs Seahawks – Seattle hands the reins to Sam Darnold. Daniels surpasses him in both talent and reliability. Edge: Commanders.

Week 10 vs Lions – Jared Goff leads Detroit with steadiness, yet Daniels brings more athleticism and upside. Edge: Commanders.

Week 11 vs Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa boasts accuracy, but Daniels’ versatility could tilt the field. Edge: Commanders.

Week 13 vs Broncos – Denver starts Bo Nix. Daniels checks more boxes. Edge: Commanders.

Week 14 at Vikings – J.J. McCarthy comes off injury. Daniels stands as the safer choice. Edge: Commanders.

Week 15 at Giants – Another matchup with Wilson or perhaps rookie Jaxon Dart is behind center. Regardless, Daniels should be in playoff form. Edge: Commanders.

Week 16 vs Eagles – Jalen Hurts represents the elite tier of Super Winners. Slight Edge: Eagles.

Week 17 vs Cowboys – Prescott again under center for Dallas. Edge: Commanders.

Week 18 at Eagles – Hurts closes the season with momentum, but Daniels looks to split against the Eagles. Edge: Commanders

What Daniels Means for Washington’s Season

When you tally the results, Daniels enters 15 of 17 games as the better quarterback, with his team having an advantage. Mahomes and Hurts project as tougher matchups at this stage based on their own individual talent as well as their teams. Both were in the Super Bowl last season, with the Eagles winning it all.

Daniels puts Washington in rare territory. In a division as competitive as the NFC East, possessing the superior quarterback in most contests translates to consistent confidence in winning football. The former LSU star has a skill set that elevates Washington’s offense in ways fans have not seen in years. His blend of speed, arm talent, and poise makes the Commanders more adaptable than nearly every opponent. He can win from the pocket, extend plays with his legs, and carve defenses with deep throws or quick strikes.

Bottom line, if you bet on the quarterback position, Washington should be favored in most weeks. With Daniels’ steady rise, the Commanders hold a distinct advantage heading into 2025. That edge alone could propel them from NFC contenders to true Super Bowl Hopefuls.

Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Breaking Down the QB Matchups: Commanders Gain Advantage with Daniels appeared first on Heavy Sports.