Commanders Offense Just Got Way Better vs Vikings

While their most important players have struggled to stay healthy all season, the Minnesota Vikings have seemingly become a get-right spot on the schedule for opponents.

In week 10, the Baltimore Ravens got MVP QB Lamar Jackson back against the Vikings, after he missed the previous four weeks (three games) due to hamstring injury.

Jayden Daniels cleared from injury to face Vikings

Now set to welcome the Washington Commanders to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, it’s now official that their sophomore phenom quarterback out of LSU, Jayden Daniels, will make his return after missing the past month with a dislocated elbow.

Commanders HC Dan Quinn confirmed Jayden Daniels will start Sunday vs. the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/JPmnmuYulR

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2025

Multiple weeks ago Jayden Daniels suffered what looked like a gruesome arm injury, at the time. By some devine miracle, the dislocated elbow he suffered on November 2 did not require surgery, but he is still returning sooner than many expected him to.

The Commanders are just 3-9 this season, but two of those wins came with Daniels under center. Across six totala games, Jayden has thrown for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Without a doubt, he completely changes the complexion of Sunday afternoon’s contest.

Last season, Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record, on his way to winning Rookie of the Year honors. The 2nd overall pick from the 2024 Draft deadly accurate and a sound decision-maker, in the pocket.

But if you force him to use his feet, that can be even scarier. Daniels averaged 52.4 yards per game on the ground last season, a number that is slightly down (43.7 YPG) in 2025. And when he gets outside the pocket… he can do things like this.

JAYDEN DANIELS IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL.

Free guy in his face and able to escape and throw an absolute DOT
pic.twitter.com/yEK76sRCd5

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) October 6, 2024

Minnesota Vikings need to see a better JJ McCarthy vs Commanders

Sunday will be the first time that Daniels faces fellow 2024 1st round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is also returning to the field after time off. The No. 10 overall pick in 2024 missed week 13 with a concussion.

The pressure is off for Minnesota. In fact, there’s a decent argument to be had that the Vikings would be better off losing to the Commanders, and every other team remaining on their schedule. And there’s no doubt Daniels’ return makes the Commanders more formidable.

But even more important than future draft positioning is that we some sort of growth from McCarthy. Kickoff for Minnesota Vikings vs Washington Commanders at The Bank on Sunday is set for 12 pm. Daniels’ return has swung the betting line in favor of the visitors, who now stand as -1.5 point favorites against the purple.