The Washington Commanders in the top 10? I know, right?
If you’ve followed this team at all, you know how crazy that sounds. D.C. fans have seen it all: bad seasons, name changes, messes, and rebuild after rebuild. Every year started with promise but ended with, Maybe next year.
But this year? It feels different.
The latest NFL Power Rankings have Washington in the top 10. Yes, the Commanders. People are taking notice.
From Doubters to Believers
Let’s face it. Nobody thought Washington would be any good this season.
The experts doubted them. TV guys brushed them off. Even fans weren’t sure. The team was all over the place, young, and always rebuilding.
Think about it. A rookie quarterback figuring things out. A coach feeling the heat. A history of things falling apart.
But here they are. Winning. Putting together good drives. Beating teams they should have lost to.
It’s a shock, yeah. But that’s football. The NFL loves to make people wrong.
What’s Different This Time?
So, what’s changed?
First, the quarterback. Washington’s young QB isn’t playing like some rookie who was thrown to the wolves. He looks calm and sure of himself. He’s not forcing throws or trying to do too much. He’s patient and takes what the defense gives. That means fewer mistakes, longer drives, and making third downs.
Then, the defense. That strong defensive line is finally playing how it should. Quarterbacks are getting buried. Running backs are getting stopped. And when they force turnovers, the offense scores.
And finally, the coaching. For once, the coaches are playing to the team’s strengths. Strong defense, smart offense. Let the players make plays. It’s easy, and it’s working.
More Than Numbers
The stats tell you some of it. Washington is one of the best in the league at stopping teams in the red zone. They’re getting better on third downs. Their point difference is getting bigger.
But stats aren’t everything.
Fans can see it. The team feels different. They’re confident on the field and excited on the sidelines. You can feel the belief in the locker room. You can’t measure that. It’s real.
The Fans Are Finally Waking Up
For years, Washington fans were just trying to get through it. They had to deal with scandals, ownership issues, and rebuilds that never stopped. Hoping for good things felt like a joke.
But now? The stadium is loud again. D.C. bars are packed on Sundays. Jerseys are selling fast.
One fan said it best on the radio: I’ve waited years to feel like this. I think we can beat anyone.
That’s it. That’s the change. It’s not just hoping. It feels real.
Can They Hold On?
Now it gets hard. Can Washington stay in the top 10?
The NFL is rough. Rankings change every week. Guys get hurt. One bad slump can ruin everything.
Washington’s schedule is tough, with rivalry games, primetime games, and road trips to hard places to play. They can’t mess up.
But this team seems solid. They’re not winning with luck. They’re winning with good defense, smart choices, and a balanced attack. That’s a good sign.
If they keep playing like this, don’t be surprised if they go for the top five. Seriously.
Why This Matters
Every season, the NFL needs that team that comes out of nowhere and makes everyone look bad.
This year, the Commanders might be that team.
It’s good for the league. Close games keep things interesting. When Washington is good, Sundays are more fun. Isn’t that what we want?
Final Word
The Washington Commanders aren’t a joke anymore. They’re not just okay. They’re a top-10 team right now.
The players did it. The coaches did it. The fans who stuck around did it too.
Staying in the top 10 won’t be easy. Nothing in the NFL is. But Washington is back. They matter again.
If you’re a Commanders fan, enjoy Monday. The rankings don’t lie: Washington is good, and this could be the start.