Could the Washington Commanders really go from a disappointing 5-12 season to Super Bowl contenders in just one year? It might sound like a stretch, but history suggests it's not as far-fetched as you think. Remember, this is a team that went 4-13 in 2023, then stunned everyone by jumping to 12-5 in 2024 and making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. If they can bounce back like that once, why not again?

General manager Adam Peters has been crystal clear about his mission since the 2025 season ended: make the Commanders "younger and faster" for 2026. Four months later, he's done exactly that. The roster is undeniably better on paper, but whether that translates into wins won't be clear until September. Still, the moves are promising.

Peters focused heavily on defense, and for good reason—that unit struggled badly last year. The centerpiece of the overhaul came in the 2026 NFL Draft, where Washington selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick. Styles is a ridiculously athletic playmaker, and pairing him with Leo Chenal could give the Commanders one of the fastest linebacker groups in the entire league. That speed alone could transform a defense that was a liability into a strength.

Of course, the real key to any Super Bowl run is the health of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. As a rookie, Daniels carried the offense on his back, but last season he missed 10 games due to three separate injuries, and the offense simply couldn't function without him. He's healthy now, and the Commanders have made some offensive additions too—with potentially more on the way.

So, back to that big question: Can Washington really be a Super Bowl contender? CBS Sports thinks so. They recently listed five long-shot teams that could suddenly thrust themselves into the title race in 2026, and the Commanders made the cut. Analyst Tyler Sullivan highlighted the defense's potential, noting that while players like Oweh and Chaisson should stabilize the edge positions, the true game-changer is Styles. "Styles has the talent to emerge as one of the best defensive players in this class," Sullivan wrote, "and should make an immediate impact."

If that defense steps up and Daniels stays on the field, don't be surprised if the Commanders are shaking up the Super Bowl race sooner than anyone expects.