Chadiha: Commanders 'are going to be a playoff team' | 'The Insiders'

Who's making the playoffs? Commanders? Patriots? Packers? | 'NFL Insiders'

Washington Commanders should make the playoffs because of their strong defense

The Washington Commanders will rebound from their 7-10 record last season and make the playoffs in 2023, NFL Insider David Chadiha said.

Washington finished third in the NFC East last season behind the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) and New York Giants (9-8). The Dallas Cowboys took the final wild-card playoff berth with a 12-5 record.

Chadiha said the Commanders' expected improvement this season stems from their stout defense. Washington ranked ninth in the NFL in total defense and tied for 11th in scoring defense last season.

"They're going to be a playoff team," Chadiha said. "Defensively they're probably top 5, top 10 in the league. They're going to be able to play with anybody. Offensively they've got some question marks, but they've got some playmakers there. ... I think they're going to be in the mix come playoff time."

The Commanders open the season Sept. 11 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.