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ESPN
Madrid’s NFL moment: Commanders, Dolphins kick off NFL’s Spain era
Both teams enter the historic matchup with something to prove. The Commanders, winless in international play (0-1-1), turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota for his fifth start of the season while
Jayden Daniels remains sidelined. On the opposing side, the Dolphins are 2-5 in international regular-season games and have lost four straight overseas.
Adding to the storyline is a special connection under center: both Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa hail from Saint Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawai’i — where Tagovailoa first met Mariota at a passing academy when he was in fourth grade.
NFL.com
NFL Week 11 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup analysis for every game
Why Tom picked the Dolphins: For perhaps the first time this season, they’re entering a game looking like the more functional, stable side, carrying some honest-to-god mojo from Week 10’s impressive win over Buffalo. Could Miami actually gather some — lord help us — momentum here? It’s hard to imagine a more appealing foil for Mike McDaniel’s crew than the Commanders, whose defense is stained by the highest EPA per dropback mark (0.22) in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats, while allowing a league-high passer rating of 112.7 to opposing QBs. Tua Tagovailoa thus has a great chance to post a passer rating of 80-plus for the second consecutive game, which would mark the first time he’s done that since Week 5 against Carolina. He also has some capable offensive playmakers (De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle) at his disposal, while Washington will not have Terry McLaurin, Daron Payne or, you know, the one player who basically makes that whole operation go (Jayden Daniels). Unless you’re predicting some international hijinks, it’s difficult to justify going against McDaniel’s squad here.
Washington Post (paywall)
In Spain, the Commanders are trying to interpret what has gone wrong
A trip that was supposed to be a showcase instead is a reckoning for a team on a five-game skid.
Five straight losses will make the sturdiest franchise wobble. What has happened over the past month — with the past four losses each by at least three touchdowns — can make you wonder whether the franchise was stable in the first place.
Think about when Commanders fans considered making this sojourn. When the game was announced in May, Washington was an NFL darling, a surprise NFC finalist with an adult general manager who seemed adept at roster construction, an introspective coach who doubled as a culture-builder and a comet of a young quarterback who made anything possible. Shelling out a few grand to see your exciting, contending team in an exotic destination could have seemed tempting, even logical.
Given all that, it’s almost inconceivable that the Commanders outfit that is practicing this week at the headquarters of Real Madrid, the soccer powerhouse, feels so unsteady. Adam Peters is still the general manager. Dan Quinn is still the coach. Jayden Daniels is still the quarterback — even if he’s on the shelf. This was supposed to be a showcase. Instead, the Commanders are in shambles.
It makes this year hard to assess. Is this a cursed season for a franchise that remains on the ascent? Or is this a team that a year ago jelled in a magical way but is too flawed to repeat it without a true rebuild?
That’s what this week against the Dolphins will help us answer. That’s what the six games after that are for. This week’s stage will be spectacular. But the Commanders could be christening NFL expansion to Mars and the issues would remain the same. They are real. They are extensive. No one is immune from scrutiny. Buenos dias? Not at the moment.
Commanders.com
Practice notes | Defensive players know they must execute better, no matter who’s calling plays
it’s clear over the past month that Washington has not played up to its expectations. Over the last three games, the Commanders’ defense ranks 31st in yards per game, last in passing yards given up, 30th in sack percentage and 29th in third-down conversion rate. They’ve lost by at least 21 points in each of their last four games with two squads — the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions — hanging 40 points on them.
So, it’s hard to blame Quinn for wanting to take more serious steps to pin down exactly what hasn’t been working for the Commanders’ defense.
“I think now just after watching and reviewing the tape, we felt off,” Quinn said. “You’ve heard me say that word and so I thought this is the time to add into that and lean in. Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We’ve worked together through our time in Dallas and we’ll lean back into that space where he’ll help me along the way and all that leads up into the game and calling it into that space.”
Still, Wagner and fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu want the players to own their mistakes rather than blame the scheme. Miscommunication errors and a lack of execution, both factors the players can control, have been a problem for the Commanders all season, and it has led to explosive plays from offenses. For example, Jordan Magee watched as Jahmyr Gibbs ran past him for the opening score of the Lions game, while Sam Darnold completed 17 consecutive passes before getting a drop.
A to Z Sports
Johnny Newton to start with Daron Payne out
Payne has been one of the more productive players on defense, even with all of their struggles, and he leaves big shoes to be filled. Quinn talked about how much of a loss it is for the defense, and Johnny Newton will be the starter on Sunday with Payne out.
“Yeah, we’ll miss Daron [Payne] for sure inside,” Quinn said. “His presence, the physicality. Johnny Newton and Javon Kinlaw will be the two who will feature the most inside. And then Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day would be there behind them. But we’re pleased with the development that Johnny’s taking, especially on the pass rush side. He has had some injuries coming into last year and I felt like it took him this season, this preseason, to hit his stride and hit the next spot. And I feel like he’s doing that. So, we’ll lean in more on him for sure here.”
Commanders Wire
Brothers face off in Week 11 when Commanders battle Dolphins in Madrid
[A]fter an impressive training camp, the Commanders inserted [Chris] Paul as the new starting left guard in Week 3. He’s remained there ever since, with Washington coaches repeatedly praising his performance.
Paul isn’t the only member of his family having a banner 2025: Patrick Paul, Chris’ younger brother by three years, is in his second NFL season. A second-round pick from Houston in 2024, Patrick appeared in all 17 games as a rookie for the Miami Dolphins last season. He started three games, but this season, Paul has taken over as Miami’s starting left tackle and has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s best young offensive tackles.
On Sunday, the Paul brothers will reunite as opponents. While they won’t share the field together, it will be a special moment for them.
This week, the Commanders and Dolphins are playing in Madrid. It’s the NFL’s first-ever game in Madrid. It allowed the two brothers to spend some time together ahead of Week 11, something they’ve been unable to do this year.
Front Office Sports
NFL Caps 7-Game International Slate With Spain Debut—Plans for More
Like other international matchups this season, Sunday’s game will include a larger-than-normal halftime show, with Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee taking the stage in Madrid.
Spain is the fourth European nation to host a regular-season NFL game (along with England, Germany, and Ireland), and will likely be in line to host more in the future, as the league continues chasing its international expansion goals of one day playing 16 games per season outside the U.S.
This season’s seven games abroad are two more than the previous high of five in each of the previous three seasons
In 2026, the NFL will make its [regular season] debut in Australia, as the Rams host a to-be-determined opponent in Melbourne. The league is also hopeful it will return to Mexico City for the first time since 2022, as renovations at Azteca Stadium will finally be completed.
ESPN
NFL Week 11 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips
Dolphins (3-7) at Commanders (3-7) in Madrid
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network
ESPN BET: MIA -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Dolphins: Miami joyously celebrated last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills, but the celebrations ended as soon as the team boarded the plane to Madrid. Fullback Alec Ingold credited the Dolphins’ coaching staff for establishing a 24-hour rule and keeping them focused as they attempt to put together their first winning streak of the season. Coach Mike McDaniel insisted that looking to more than just the next game is “a recipe for failure” and that the Dolphins are hyper focused on the Commanders. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: Washington coach Dan Quinn took over defensive playcalling duties, but it remains to be seen what the Commanders can correct with a different playcaller. While their pass coverage will be impacted by losing both starting outside corners — Trey Amos (fibula) and Marshon Lattimore (ACL) — the defense ranks 28th versus the run over the past five weeks and will be without tackle Daron Payne (suspension). “We’ll miss Daron for sure inside, his presence, his physicality,” Quinn said. Payne will be replaced by second-year man Jer’Zhan Newton, who isn’t as big or as strong as Payne but can win with quickness. — John Keim
Stat to know: The Commanders average 4.9 yards per rush, sixth highest in the NFL. On the contrary, the Dolphins allow 4.9 yards per rush, fifth worst in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt will record at least 80 rushing yards for the first time in over a month. Why? Because the Commanders are averaging 2.5 yards per carry after contact (second most in the NFL), while the Dolphins’ defense has allowed 2.2 yards per carry after contact (fourth most). — Walder
Injuries: Dolphins | Commanders
Maldonado’s pick: Dolphins 20, Commanders 12
Moody’s pick: Dolphins 32, Commanders 20
Walder’s pick: Commanders 27, Dolphins 21
FPI prediction: WSH, 51.9% (by an average of 0.4 points)
Washington Post (paywall)
In between football, Commanders soak in cultural experience in Madrid
Washington’s players and coaches have billed this week in Madrid as a much-needed opportunity to bond and potentially start to turn around their season. A win against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday would end a five-game skid ahead of next week’s bye.
On a more fundamental level, though, players and coaches have also acknowledged how cool it has been just to be here. They have spent their free time roaming the city’s streets and their evenings sharing meals at local restaurants — ranging from Japanese to Mediterranean cuisine, in addition to local fare.
The Commanders opted to spend the week in Madrid acclimating rather than flying in on Friday as some teams have done for other international games.
Washington’s practices have been on soccer turf at the immaculate facility that usually houses global powerhouse Real Madrid. Their game will be the first professional football game played at iconic Bernabéu Stadium.
While the matchup will feature a pair of 3-7 teams, it is nevertheless expected to draw a sizable crowd. When asked what Spanish fans can expect, Frankie Luvu said there will be “a lot of violence,” at least relative to the type of football they’re used to.
“I hope they’re loud for our defense and quiet for our offense,” Cosmi added. “That would help a lot.”
Podcasts & videos
High-Level NFL Run Schemes + Miami Dolphins Trickery | Film Breakdown | Washington Commanders | NFL
Upcoming opponent
The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins getting healthier ahead of clash with Washington Commanders
On Wednesday, starting right tackle Austin Jackson practiced with the club for the first time since injuring his toe during the team’s week one contest against the Indianapolis Colts. He remained a limited participant in practice on Thursday as well. EDGE rusher Chop Robinson — dealing with a concussion — missed Miami’s game against the Buffalo Bills last week, but returned to practice for the Dolphins this week and looks to be ready to suit up against Washington on Sunday.
After starting the practice week on the sidelines, Miami’s starting center Aaron Brewer returned to a limited practice on Thursday while he nurses foot and ankle injuries. Starting cornerback Rasul Douglas — also dealing with foot and ankle injures — followed Brewer’s lead and practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday as well.
Discussion topics
The Athletic (paywall)
QB future for all 32 NFL teams: Daniel Jones, Tua Tagovailoa among intriguing decisions ahead
We’re happy with our established franchise QB
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Signed through: 2028 | APY rank: 1 | EPA rank: 10
The Cowboys are 6-10-1 with Prescott in the lineup since they signed him to his latest extension before last season. That is mostly because only Jaxson Dart and Mac Jones have gotten worse support from their defenses among 34 qualifying quarterbacks over that span. For comparison, Burrow has an 11-8 starting record over that span while his defense has, on average, been just as bad (-8.3 EPA per start). (You can learn more about the Betrayal Index, a metric that was conceived to measure this dynamic, in the video below from last month.)
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Signed through: 2028 | APY rank: 11 | EPA rank: 13
You won’t find Hurts among the stat leaders in passing on a team that leans into the ground game behind an elite offensive line. But in two Super Bowls, he has 525 yards passing, 142 yards rushing, seven total touchdowns, two turnovers and a 109.4 passer rating with one Lombardi Trophy hoisted. He ranks second to Russell Wilson in EPA per pass play in Super Bowls among the eight QBs with more than one Super Bowl start this century.
Hot stock: Hold
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Signed through: 2027 (team option for 2028) | APY rank: 27 | EPA rank: 21
Daniels’ rookie season was so impressive, he broke the record Stroud held for the highest debut by a second-year player in Quarterback Tiers. Also like Stroud, Daniels has regressed in his second season with a team whose roster issues came to the fore. He has missed games this season with three separate injuries: a sprained knee, a strained hamstring and a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm. There’s a chance he could return for Week 13.
Too early to say, but there’s been good with the bad
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Signed through: 2027 (team option for 2028) | APY rank: 25 | EPA rank: 14
The marriage between Williams and new coach Ben Johnson remains in its early stages, with some positive signs. Williams has cut his sack rate from 10.8 percent as a rookie to 4.6 percent this season, a shift that belies the fact he is scrambling at the same rate, completing about the same percentage of his passes and holding the ball even longer (3.16 average time to throw or sack, up from 2.84 as a rookie). Johnson presumably would like Williams to work toward playing on time more consistently.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Signed through: 2027 (team option for 2028) | APY rank: 40 | EPA rank: 22
The Broncos have won seven consecutive games with a mixture of defense and fourth-quarter heroics from Nix and the offense. It’s an unsustainable formula that is temporarily tabling more consequential discussions regarding Nix’s trajectory. The quarterback’s year-over-year efficiency has declined by almost every measure except for sack rate, which was already low. It’s looking like next season will be defining for Nix’s trajectory with the Broncos.
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Signed through: 2028 (team option for 2029) | APY rank: 42 | EPA rank: 17
Dart brought excitement and hope to the Giants’ offense while consistently putting his body at risk, as reflected in the four times he’s been tested for concussions since the preseason. Jameis Winston will start for the Giants against the Packers this week while Dart recovers from the concussion he suffered in Brian Daboll’s final game as head coach.
Way too early to pass lasting judgment, but so far, not so great
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Signed through: 2027 (team option for 2028) | APY rank: 37 | EPA rank: 30
