The Commanders return home Sunday to face the Giants, who are off to a hot start under new coach John Harbaugh. Jayden Daniels is expected to return after a two-week absence, as Washington faces a pivotal Week 5 divisional matchup.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland.
TV: Fox
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Betting Lines
Lines from DraftKings, as of Friday.
Spread: Commanders -3.5
Money line: Commanders -192, Giants +160
Over/under: 42.5 points
Pregame Reading
The Commanders’ season is only four games old, but it already feels like it’s on the brink. Dave Sheinin and Martenzie Johnson examined the team at the quarter mark of the season and sorted through the good and the bad.
After a slow start to the season, the Commanders pass rush is starting to thrive. The unit was disruptive in London against the Colts and will need to sustain that success against the Giants. Johnson has more on Washington’s defense.
Daniels will return under center two weeks after he dislocated his elbow for the second time in 10 months. With Marcus Mariota out with an MCL sprain, Daniels’ return quickly became a necessity.
About the Giants
The Giants’ injury report rivals the Commanders’ in its scope. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart is out for the season with a knee injury, as is defensive end Brian Burns, depriving the Giants of arguably their most important players on both sides of the ball. Earlier this week, wide receiver and return specialist Braxton Berrios was ruled out for the season with a foot injury.
Star wide receiver Malik Nabers missed Wednesday due to knee soreness, but he will play on Sunday. Jameis Winston is expected to start under center, but recently acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy has drawn rave reviews for his ability to quickly pick up the team’s playbook.
One Big Question
Can the Commanders keep Daniels upright?
The last time Daniels returned from a dislocated elbow, he reinjured it in his first game back and was ruled out for the rest of the season. The Commanders are already without starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis is Daniels’ backup until Mariota returns. The offensive line was an issue going into the season and the quarterback depth, or lack thereof, has quickly become another concern. The Commanders’ season always hinged on Daniels’ health, but that risk is amplified in light of Mariota’s injury.
Can offensive coordinator David Blough develop a game plan that protects Daniels without hindering the offense? And who will Daniels throw to? Wideout Stefon Diggs was ruled out Friday with a hamstring injury, but running back Rachaad White is expected to play. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s status is uncertain.
To further complicate matters, heavy rain is expected in the D.C. area on Sunday. Will the forecast impact how the Commanders game-plan for Daniels and the offense?
Quote of the Week
“As an offense, we did not play winning football.” – David Blough on his unit’s performance in Week 4.
Despite Mariota’s injury, the Commanders stuck with the Colts through the first half of Sunday’s game before Indianapolis pulled away. On Sunday, the Commanders are facing a Giants team that has managed to do what they haven’t: Find ways to win games despite injury issues. Blough’s unit will need to level up Sunday to help deliver a win.
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