Washington Commanders vs. Minnesota Vikings, Preview, Picks and Prediction for Sunday, December 7, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Minnesota Vikings (4-8) will host the Washington Commanders (3-9) on Sunday in a matchup between two teams that entered the season with far higher expectations. Neither squad has been mathematically eliminated from the postseason, but both would need to win out and get significant outside help, making their playoff hopes slim. Both teams have run into some commonalities, as each has dealt with instability at quarterback due to injuries, along with facing a difficult schedule.
So who will show up on Sunday? Keep reading our Commanders vs Vikings free NFL prediction to find out.
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Daniels may start
After a reasonably competitive start to the season, things have unraveled for Washington, which enters this matchup on a seven-game losing streak. One major issue has been the instability under center. Jayden Daniels has been in and out of the lineup due to injury, playing in just six games, while Marcus Mariota has appeared in eight. Daniels was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and is listed as questionable, giving him a realistic chance to return.
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Although Daniels' health has been a hot topic, the two quarterbacks have produced similar results this season. Mariota has completed 63.2% of his passes for 1,359 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, while Daniels has completed 62.5% for 1,184 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. On the ground, Daniels has rushed for 262 yards (4.9 YPC), while Mariota has added 248 rushing yards at 6.7 yards per attempt with four scores. The bigger issue for the Commanders has been their defense, which ranks 31st, allowing 6.3 yards per play, and 28th, allowing 28.9 ppg.
Washington nearly snapped its losing streak last week but fell 27–26 in overtime at Denver after opting to go for the win on a two-point conversion. Despite their 3–9 record, the Commanders have fought through two straight overtime losses, which is a sign that they haven’t quit on the season.
Key injuries for Washington:
- DE Drake Jackson (knee) is questionable. Has 3 sacks. Didn't practice on Thursday.
- LB Bobby Wagner (knee) is questionable. Didn't practice on Thursday. Has 56 tackles and two INTs.
- WR Noah Brown (groin/knee) is expected to play.
McCarthy is back, but is that a good thing?
The Vikings are in a similar spiral, having dropped six of their last seven games. Their lone bright spot in that stretch was a surprising 27–24 road victory over Detroit as 9.5-point underdogs on November 2. Outside of that win, Minnesota has suffered losses to the Ravens, Bears, Packers, and Seahawks—four playoff-caliber opponents—and failed to cover the spread in all of them. Going back further, the Vikings also failed to cover against the Chargers and Eagles.
JJ McCarthy returns to the lineup this week after missing the team’s 26–0 loss to Seattle due to concussion protocol. In McCarthy’s absence, rookie Max Brosmer struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions while completing 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards. McCarthy’s return provides stability, but there are still significant concerns about his performance. The rookie has thrown for 929 yards (54.1%) with six touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a shaky QBR, reflecting the offense’s inconsistency.
The Vikings’ quarterback carousel has played a huge role in their offensive decline, and even with McCarthy back, there are still more questions than answers. Their defense has been under constant pressure due to turnovers and short fields, contributing to their frustrating season.
Key Injuries for Minnesota:
- OT Christian Darrisaw (knee) is questionable.
- OG Donovan Jackson (ankle) is questionable.
- RB Aaron Jones Jr. (shoulder) is questionable. Has 300 yards rushing and 20 catches for 150 yards.
Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings Predictions
Commanders vs Vikings ATS Pick:
- Commanders +1.5 (5 units)
Both teams have endured brutal schedules this season, with Minnesota ranking 6th in strength of schedule and Washington not far behind at 8th. The Commanders are coming off two straight overtime losses, which shows they continue to compete hard despite the record. Daniels' practicing in full on Thursday is also a positive sign that shows this time hasn't quit, and even if he can’t go, Mariota is coming off a strong performance in Denver.
According to the Football Power Index, Washington ranks 23rd compared to Minnesota at 27th, despite the Vikings having a slightly better record. Washington showed a lot of fight in last Sunday Night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos, losing the game on a failed two-point conversion attempt. With two flawed but talented teams, Washington is the play for me here as they are much more trustworthy at the quarterback position.
Commanders vs Vikings Total Pick:
- Over 42.5 (5 units)
Minnesota’s scoring output has been inconsistent, but this total is too low. The Vikings' defense, combined with offensive turnovers, has led to opposing teams scoring 23+ points in six of their last seven games. With Daniels likely returning, and with Mariota capable if needed, that trend of 23 points or more scored against Minnesota should continue.
Another huge concern "under bettors" should have is Washington’s defense, which has surrendered at least 25 points in six of its last seven contests.
With perfect indoor conditions inside U.S. Bank Stadium, the weather won’t limit either team. Back the offenses, along with a potential defensive score to get this game over the total.
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