By: Max Edelstein
Edited By: Max Mavian
October brings a rare convergence: all four major U.S. sports leagues are in action simultaneously. It’s the perfect time to check in on the state of Washington, D.C.’s four big teams—plus one heartbreaking bonus franchise.
Washington Commanders
Let’s start with the most exciting team, shall we? The Washington Commanders made a splash in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. From his first snap, Daniels has looked every bit the franchise QB, leading the Commanders to a 5-2 start and first place in the NFC East. He’s also the clear frontrunner for NFL Rookie of the Year.
Despite a brief injury scare in their last game against the Panthers, Daniels looks ready to guide Washington to its first playoff appearance since 2020. While the Commanders’ defense might be too leaky for a deep postseason run, the offense, powered by Daniels, “Scary” Terry McLaurin, and Brian Robinson Jr., has been electric, leading the league in scoring with an impressive 31.1 points per game.
Head coach Dan Quinn, in his first year at the helm after a successful stint as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, is turning heads. His decision to rotate left tackles and bring in offensive mastermind Kliff Kingsbury to mentor Daniels is proving to be a stroke of genius. Quinn is orchestrating a remarkable turnaround for a team that went 4-13 last year.
Washington Nationals
For the Nationals, the 2024 season was far less thrilling. Finishing 71-91 and fourth in the NL East, they missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year since their magical 2019 championship run. A late-season debacle involving young star CJ Abrams—who was demoted after a night of casino gambling—didn’t help matters.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope for the future. Rookies James Wood and Dylan Crews showed flashes of brilliance, while the rotation, anchored by MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, and Mitchell Parker, boasts plenty of young talent. The next wave of prospects, like Travis Syorka and Brady House, could further bolster the squad. The biggest question? Whether the Nats will pull off a major coup by re-signing hometown hero Juan Soto. Rumors are swirling, but with the Yankees’ postseason success, Soto’s return seems a long shot. If the Nationals can add some veteran pieces to complement their youthful core, they could make a push for the 2025 Wild Card.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals have started the 2024 NHL season hot, earning six of a possible eight points through their first four games. Despite finishing last season with a dismal -37 goal differential, the Caps sneaked into the playoffs but were never true contenders. This year, many expect more of the same: mediocrity.
The roster has seen some improvements with the additions of defenseman Matt Roy and center Pierre-Luc Dubois, but all eyes are on Alex Ovechkin. The 39-year-old legend is on the brink of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record of 894—Ovi is just 40 goals shy. Though he managed 31 goals last season, it may take him two more years to surpass “The Great One.” With one goal and three assists in four games so far, Ovi may not be as fast, but he’s still a force. As he powers towards hockey immortality, the Caps hope to ride his coattails to another playoff run.
Washington Wizards
When the biggest preseason news for the Washington Wizards is a partnership with the D.C. Mayor’s Office to renovate Capital One Arena, you know it might be a rough year. The Wizards finished last season 15-67, starting their rebuild after trading away Bradley Beal.
Armed with the second pick in a weak draft, the Wizards selected French prospect Alex Sarr. He’ll join a young core featuring Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, and 14th overall pick Carlton “Bub” Carrington. The team also added veterans Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valančiūnas, but the key question is coaching. Brian Keefe, who took over midseason and posted an 8-31 record as interim coach, now has the job full-time. The Wizards passed on higher-profile names like Kenny Atkinson and J.J. Redick.
Expect plenty of three-point barrages and viral highlights from this young squad. But whether they can improve on last season’s dismal 24th-ranked defense will determine if they’re headed for another lottery pick—or a surprise Play-In push.
Bonus: D.C. United
On MLS “Decision Day,” D.C. United fell flat, losing 3-0 to Charlotte FC in a must-win match, marking their fifth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. But despite the disappointment, the 2023-24 season did bring change, with a new front office, a new coach, and the arrival of star forward Christian Benteke.
The former Premier League standout claimed the MLS Golden Boot with 23 goals, beating out the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, and almost single-handedly dragged D.C. United into playoff contention. With Benteke leading the charge and some key offseason additions, the 2024-25 campaign could be the start of a new era for the black-and-red.