The opinions expressed in this article are from national reporters and do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders have improved to 7-2 after their 27-22 win over the New York Giants. Here's how the Commanders stack up with the rest of the league.
ESPN
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 7
**John Keim:** Washington plays two tough games in a row -- hosting Pittsburgh and playing at Philadelphia on a Thursday night. If those games don't go well, then the Cowboys' game becomes one to regain momentum. But, even if those games don't go poorly, this would be a chance to perhaps end Dallas' realistic playoff hopes. And if Washington wins at Philly, it could get to 4-0 in the NFC East. A huge tiebreaker advantage.
Pro Football Talk
Rank: 4
Week 9 ranking: 6
**Mike Florio:** Another big test comes this weekend, when the Steelers come to town.
NFL.com
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 5
Eric Edholm: With the Commanders completing a sweep of the Giants on Sunday, it's fair to point out that they have fattened up a bit on the weaker part of their schedule, beating only one team (Arizona) that currently sits over .500. That takes nothing away from Jayden Daniels, who proved to be too much for New York and remains a very difficult player for opponents to deal with for four quarters. I'm a little worried about the run defense, which was porous in the first half before Washington went up two scores; that will continue to be tested by opponents, especially the next two on the docket (the Steelers and Eagles). Still, as long as the Commanders have Daniels, they have a chance to win.
The 33rd Team
Rank: 6
Week 9 ranking: 8
**Marcus Mosher:** The Washington Commanders have passed just about every test so far. But things are going to get a lot harder for them, starting this week with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town after a Week 9 bye. If the Commanders find a way to win that game, we can start talking about them as serious Super Bowl contenders.
Bleacher Report
Rank: 7
Week 9 ranking: 10
B/R Staff: Last week, the Washington Commanders won in historic, Hail Mary fashion over the Chicago Bears. With a young team led by a rookie quarterback, a letdown week following that victory wouldn't have been especially surprising. But there was no letdown with these Commanders. Because these Commanders are for real.
CBS Sports
Rank: 4
Week 9 ranking: 6
Pete Prisco: Jayden Daniels continues to roll up big numbers as he stays a legitimate MVP candidate. This team is for real as they ready to face the Steelers this week.
TheScore
Rank: 8
Week 9 ranking: 9
**TheScore staff:** If you combine superb quarterback play, a solid rushing attack, a respectable defense, and a bit of heroics, you get the NFC East-leading Commanders. Jayden Daniels has been excellent as a dual-threat passer and, more impressively, hasn't been picked off since Week 5.
USA Today
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 7
Nate Davis: Good as their Jayden Daniels-led offense is, the NFC East leaders probably can't just rely on it to boat race opponents, a la Detroit and Baltimore. This D has shown steady improvement, yet it still too frequently allows an offense like the Giants' to appear competent. Some reinforcements wouldn't hurt.
Sporting News
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 7
Vinnie Iyer: The Commanders once again flexed on both fronts against the Giants with their rushing attack and pass rush. Jayden Daniels is locked in again after the hiccup tied to the injury to his ribs, looking again like the runaway OROY.
Yahoo Sports
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 7
Frank Schwab: The Commanders have a tricky Week 10 game against the Steelers. It would be easy for them to look ahead to a Week 11 showdown against the Eagles, which will be on a Thursday night. It would be a sign of maturity for the Commanders if they don't trip up this weekend.
Sports Illustrated
Rank: 5
Week 9 ranking: 4
Connor Orr: The first big test for Commanders GM Adam Peters has arrived. We've approached the trade deadline and his head coach, Dan Quinn, has succeeded in creating immaculate vibes. The question now becomes how do you try and enhance them, if at all? The Commanders obviously need stuff—they need starters in their secondary, depth in their receiving corps, help at the offensive line. But will they compromise the long-term plan for an accelerated start that no one saw coming?
