The betting market is already nudging toward Washington in Week 5, and the reason is pretty clear: Jayden Daniels is expected back under center.
After sitting out the last two games with a dislocated elbow, Daniels is expected to return Sunday against the New York Giants. That has pushed the Commanders from a three-point home favorite to 3.5 points, even though Washington has only one win this season. Head coach Dan Quinn said he expects Daniels to practice in full this week.
That shift is notable because the Giants are the 3-1 team in the matchup and have won two straight, beating Tennessee and Arizona with Jameis Winston filling in for the injured Jaxson Dart. Even so, the early money has not fully followed the line move. DraftKings Sportsbook shows 60 percent of spread bets and 56 percent of moneyline bets landing on New York.
Washington’s quarterback situation explains plenty of the market reaction. Marcus Mariota injured his knee in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and is expected to miss some time, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as the other option. Kaliakmanis went 15 of 33 for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception in that game.
Daniels’ presence changes the equation. He has played in less than two full games this season because of the elbow injury, but multiple reports say he cannot make the issue worse this year. Surgery may still be on the table in the offseason, but for now the former No. 2 overall pick is expected to keep playing as long as he can.
In limited action this year, Daniels has completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 260 yards. Before the injury, he flashed the form that earned him 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, going 11 of 17 for 96 yards and a touchdown against Dallas in Week 2.
For now, the line is moving Washington’s way. Whether it stays there could depend on whether the Giants keep drawing the majority of the early betting action. Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
In Other News...
Jayden Daniels Gives Commanders Hope With One Huge Question Still Lingering
Jayden Daniels was back on the practice field Wednesday and went through a full session after missing two games, a welcome development for a Commanders team that has been trying to navigate life without its rookie quarterback. Washington expects him to play against the New York Giants, and he is doing so with a brace on his elbow, a reminder that even his return comes with a degree of caution.
The bigger concern is what comes after this week. The Commanders still have not signed another quarterback, leaving Daniels as the clear centerpiece of the offense for now, even as there is lingering uncertainty about whether his elbow will need surgery after the season. For a team trying to stay competitive, getting him back matters, but so does whatever happens next with an injury that could follow him well beyond Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Daniels Return Wont End This Commanders Problem
Jayden Daniels is set to return after missing two games with an elbow injury, which is obviously a lift for Washington as it tries to steady an offense that has been juggling injuries at a few spots. His presence alone changes the conversation at quarterback, and the Commanders are counting on that to help restore some rhythm after a stretch without him.
The wider issue, though, may still be at receiver, where Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs both missed practice with hamstring injuries. McLaurin has already sat out a recent game, and if both wideouts remain limited, Antonio Williams could keep seeing the heavier workload and targets that have made him a more important part of the passing game than anyone expected at this point. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Daniels Return Comes With One Big Concern For Commanders Fans
Jayden Daniels is on track to return Sunday against the Giants after missing time with a left elbow injury, giving Washington the kind of lift it badly wanted as it gets back into a regular rhythm. He was a full participant in practice, a strong sign that the Commanders are moving toward getting their quarterback back on the field after a frustrating stretch on the sideline.
The lingering issue is not whether Daniels is close, but how he will feel once the game speed picks back up. Washington is still watching his recovery carefully to make sure he can function comfortably, and the team has not been shy about treating this as a step-by-step process. Dan Quinn said Daniels is expected to start if there are no setbacks, leaving the final bit of confirmation to the weekend itself. [Read more 🡒]