The Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings are both limping into Week 14, each desperate to snap out of extended losing streaks. The Vikings have dropped four straight, while the Commanders are mired in a seven-game skid. But there’s a glimmer of hope in D.C.-rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks poised to return.
Daniels was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, a strong sign that he could be back under center this weekend. That alone changes the complexion of this game. When Daniels is on the field, the Commanders' offense has a different energy-his mobility, playmaking instincts, and leadership give Washington a fighting chance, even when the rest of the team has struggled to find consistency.
On the other side, Minnesota is expected to get their own quarterback back. J.J.
McCarthy, who missed last week due to a concussion, is on track to start. That sets the stage for a compelling quarterback showdown between two young signal-callers trying to find their footing in the NFL.
There’s also a subplot worth watching: Mike Sainristil, the Commanders’ rookie cornerback, will be lining up against an old friend. Sainristil and McCarthy were teammates at Michigan from 2021 to 2023, winning a national championship together. Now, for the first time, they’ll be on opposite sidelines.
“I can’t wait. He knows that,” Sainristil said of facing McCarthy.
“I haven’t spoken to him this week, I probably won’t. But that’s my guy, I love him.”
It’s a great story-two former Wolverines, now rookies in the NFL, going head-to-head in a game both teams desperately need to win. But sentimentality aside, both players are still working through the growing pains of their first pro season.
McCarthy’s rookie campaign has been a rollercoaster. He’s thrown for 929 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions-a stat line that reflects the ups and downs of a young quarterback still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Decision-making under pressure has been an issue, and the Vikings' offense has sputtered as a result.
Sainristil, meanwhile, has had his own struggles. According to Pro Football Focus, he holds a 54 overall grade, ranking 87th out of 110 qualified cornerbacks.
That’s not where he wants to be, but there have been flashes-he’s totaled 60 tackles, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions. The instincts are there, but the consistency hasn’t quite followed yet.
This matchup is more than just a reunion-it’s a test for both players. McCarthy will try to exploit a Commanders secondary that’s had its fair share of breakdowns, while Sainristil will look to capitalize on a quarterback who’s been prone to mistakes.
Zooming out, the broader story is about two teams in need of answers. The Vikings have struggled to find rhythm on offense, especially without a stable quarterback situation. The Commanders, on the other hand, have had issues across the board, but their defense-particularly the secondary-has been a weak spot all season.
So what gives on Sunday? Will the Vikings' offense finally click, or will Washington’s defense rise to the occasion with their young corner leading the charge? And can Jayden Daniels provide the spark the Commanders have been missing?
It’s not a primetime showdown between juggernauts, but it’s a meaningful game for two franchises trying to build something. And for two Michigan alums now facing off on the big stage, it’s a personal milestone in what they hope will be long NFL careers.