NFL Power Rankings: Commanders Have 'Plenty of Room to Grow'

The Washington Commanders have low expectations going into the season. Where does that place them in this week's power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Sep 7, 2023

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are just days away from playing in front of a sold-out crowd at FedEx Field in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Whether fans are coming because there is excitement surrounding quarterback Sam Howell and the team or if the team is just looking for a way to send a message to old owner Dan Snyder ... Washington is finding a way to put people in seats.

For a team with a lot on the line this season, the Commanders will take any advantage it can get.

The team is once again expected to finish last in the NFC East and be among the worst teams in the league. Sports Illustrated placed the Commanders at No. 28 in its first power rankings.

"The Commanders sold out their home opener against the Cardinals, which has to be the absolute biggest vote of support for a new owner in NFL history," SI writes. "A large group of people willingly signed up to watch this team play against the worst quarterback depth chart in recent NFL history, all because of their collective hatred of the former owner. Who says feelings of disdain can’t bring people together? Anyway, the Commanders are starting low on this list, but, as my parents always told me, that just leaves plenty of room to grow. Here’s to a 2023 fueled by new beginnings and old hatred."

The only teams ahead of the Commanders are the Cardinals (32), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31), Houston Texans (30) and Denver Broncos (29).

The Commanders and Cardinals are set to kickoff at 1 p.m. on Sunday at FedEx Field.

Published Sep 7, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.