Commanders game-by-game predictions for 2023 NFL season

When the NFL schedule was released in May, we took our best shot at predicting the Washington Commanders record for 2023. Ultimately, we arrived at an 8-9 record for the Commanders.

Now that we’ve had a few months to reassess the 2023 season, after OTAs, training camp and the preseason, would we still predict the same record for Washington?

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Not a lot has changed for the Commanders, but we’ve had some time to see new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense and also how quarterback Sam Howell operates in that offense.

Before the Commanders begin the regular season, here are our final game-by-game predictions for the 2023 season:

Week 1 vs. Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals Kyler Murray watches quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs (9) and Clayton Tune (15).

The Commanders begin the Josh Harris era with a resounding win.

WIN (1-0)

Week 2 at Broncos

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3). Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Washington travels west and surprises the Broncos with a close win.

WIN (2-0)

Week 3 vs. Bills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) as Washington Football Team nose tackle Daron Payne (94). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Washington gets a Super Bowl favorite at home, but the Bills are too much.

LOSS (2-1)

 

Week 4 at Eagles

Washington Commanders center Tyler Larsen. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders were the first team to beat the Eagles last season. It may happen again in 2023, but not in Week 4.

LOSS (2-2)

Week 5 vs. Bears

Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears is pushed out of bounds by Cole Holcomb #55 and Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Thursday Night Football against the Bears for the second straight season. Washington won in the final moments last season. The same will happen this year, but both teams will score more points.

WIN (3-2)

Week 6 at Falcons

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4). Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders and Falcons came down to the wire last season. That game was in Washington, this one is in Atlanta. Washington struggled to stop the Falcons running game. Another close game, but the Commanders fall short.

LOSS (3-3)

 

Week 7 at Giants

New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) takes Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the series featured a tie and a close, controversial New York win. The Giants will take round one in 2023.

LOSS (3-4)

Week 8 vs. Eagles

Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) pressures Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1). Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Washington badly needs a win after back-to-back losses. They shock the Eagles again with a close win.

WIN (4-4)

Week 9 at Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) runs the ball during the first half against Washington. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots are still coached by Bill Belichick, but Tom Brady is long gone.

WIN (5-4)

 

Week 10 at Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7). Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders and Seahawks have had an interesting rivalry over the years. Washington has bested Seattle in the regular season recently, but the Seahawks own them in the postseason. Not this time.

LOSS (5-5)

Week 11 vs. Giants

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) breaks a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Zyon Gilbert (38). Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders get their revenge and take down their nemesis Daniel Jones.

WIN (6-5)

 

Week 12 at Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) tackles Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas (82). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys on Thanksgiving are too much for the Commanders.

LOSS (6-6)

Week 13 vs. Dolphins

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10)

A tough home game against a fast and athletic Miami offense. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are too much for the Commanders.

LOSS (6-7)

 

Week 15: at Rams

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9). Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders travel west after the bye and get back on track with a win.

WIN (7-7)

 

Week 16 at Jets

Aaron Rodgers with Michael Carter and Jason Brownlee on the last day of Jets OTA’s.

The Jets are an interesting team. That defense is legit. Aaron Rodgers still looks like his old self. This team could either be a Super Bowl contender or the NFL’s most disappointing team.

LOSS (7-8)

Week 17 vs. 49ers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and tight end George Kittle (85). Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

There’s that one game each year where Washington shocks the world. That happens when the Commanders take down the 49ers.

WIN (8-8)

 

Week 18 vs. Cowboys

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs with the ball for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark (33). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This feels like the same scenario as last season. The result will be, too.

WIN (9-8)