The Washington Commanders open their 2025 season at Northwest Stadium against the New York Giants. After last year’s NFC Championship run, expectations in Washington are higher than they’ve been in decades.
Jayden Daniels enters his second season as starter with a deeper supporting cast and a scheme tailored by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Head coach Dan Quinn has reshaped the defense, while the front office added proven stars in Von Miller and Deebo Samuel to push Washington further into contender status.
The Giants arrive after a 3–14 finish in 2024, the worst record in franchise history. Pressure is mounting on head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, though a defense anchored by Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux gives them foundational strength. With a rookie quarterback waiting in the wings and young talent developing, New York isn’t short on potential despite its recent struggles.
Commanders vs. Giants Inactives for Week 1
Commanders Inactives:
Nothing surprising on Washington’s list, but there are still a couple of notable takeaways. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is inactive, meaning veteran Jeremy McNichols gets the nod as RB3. More importantly, it signals confidence in rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who is positioned for a much larger role than most expected when camp opened.
Quarterback Josh Johnson is listed as the emergency third QB, leaving just two active passers available for Week 1. Otherwise, the list falls in line with expectations as the Commanders roll out their retooled roster against the Giants, fully healthy and ready to go.
Giants Inactives:
For the Giants, the headline is clear: left tackle Andrew Thomas is inactive with a foot injury. Losing their best offensive lineman leaves New York’s front five exposed against a Washington pass rush anchored by Von Miller and Frankie Luvu.
Right tackle Evan Neal is also a healthy scratch, while third-round rookie Darius Alexander will sit as well. The big takeaway is Thomas’ absence, which could tilt the line of scrimmage. If the Commanders generate consistent pressure, they’ll have the chance to dictate the flow of the game and make life difficult for New York’s quarterbacks.
Returning Stars
Washington’s push begins with Daniels, who looks more polished heading into his second year. Terry McLaurin remains his most trusted target, while veteran tight end Zach Ertz adds stability across the middle. On defense, Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu provide veteran leadership in Quinn’s scheme.
Running back Austin Ekeler brings pass-catching versatility to complement Daniels. The offensive line is still working toward full strength: Sam Cosmi continues his recovery from injury, while Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, and new center Tyler Biadasz are tasked with holding things down up front.
New Faces to Watch
The Commanders also boast a wave of new additions. Miller and Samuel headline the offseason class, with both expected to play pivotal roles immediately. Rookie tackle Josh Conerly faces a baptism by fire against New York’s defensive front.
Up front, Washington traded for Laremy Tunsil to anchor the left side, while Javon Kinlaw joins the interior rotation. Rookie cornerback Trey Amos adds depth to the secondary, and return specialist Jaylin Lane gives Washington a new spark on special teams. Seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (New Mexico) earned his spot through a strong offseason, training camp, and preseason. His rise gave the Commanders so much confidence that they traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, clearing a path for Croskey-Merritt to contribute right away.
Betting Odds & Prediction
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders enter as 3.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Washington’s firepower and defensive reinforcements justify the edge, but New York’s pass rush will make this a physical contest.
This opener doubles as a tone-setter. For Washington, it’s a chance to show they belong among NFC contenders. For New York, it’s an opportunity to erase memories of 2024 and cool the pressure on Daboll and Schoen. From the first snap, both teams will be under the microscope.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Commanders RB Sidelined as Giants Miss Star Lineman in Week 1 appeared first on Heavy Sports.