The Washington Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday from FedEx Field to kick off the 2023 season.
The Commanders enter Sunday’s as a 7-point favorite. Why is Washington such an overwhelming favorite? Let’s just say that reflects more on the perception of the Arizona Cardinals than what everyone thinks of the Commanders.
Buy Commanders TicketsWashington has a chance to be a good team in 2023 — a playoff team. But, as of now, there are a lot of unknowns. The biggest unknown is quarterback Sam Howell. If Howell is as good as Washington believes he can be, the Commanders are a playoff team.
Will Washington begin the 2023 season 1-0?
We offer our final predictions for Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and Commanders.
Bryan Manning
What a day for the Washington Commanders. FedEx Field is sold out — with Washington fans. There is a new owner. The Commanders have made amends with many of the team’s legends. The stage is set for a special day.
Can the Commanders match the energy with the same performance on the field? In the past, they’ve fallen flat under similar circumstances. I believe that’s in the past. Those were different teams. There’s a different aura surrounding the franchise right now.
While I believe things could look sloppy at times, I do believe the Commanders win by double digits, but not necessarily a blowout. Sam Howell performs well in the season opener with at least two touchdown passes.
Commanders 24, Cardinals 13
Ivan Lambert
The Commanders begin a new ownership era Sunday, hosting the Cardinals. Washington has actually lost three of their last five games against the Cardinals.
The Cardinals administration is frankly tanking. So, what do you do to help your chances of drafting first next year for Caleb Williams? You release the quarterback on your roster, which will give you the best chance to win games. So, the Cardinals last week released Colt McCoy.
The Cardinals offense is going to struggle this season, and they should Sunday against the Commanders. But Washington quarterback Sam Howell is making his first start in this Eric Bieniemy offense. In the preseason Howell so mostly basic fronts. But now that the games count, he will see different fronts, and different blitz packages, all designed to make it more difficult for him and the offensive line to make their pre-snap reads.
So be patient, Commanders fans; it could be ugly at times.
But the Commanders have enough to prevail, Sunday.
Commanders 20, Cardinals 10
Sammy Mansfield
The beginning of the Josh Harris era in Washington will have FedEx Field rocking and give the team a home-field advantage they have not felt in years. Sam Howell will surprise some folks in this one, especially with his legs. Terry McLaurin is back from injury, but Jahan Dotson steals the show with 75+ yards and a touchdown to kick off a year-two breakout campaign.
Arizona comes in with a rookie head coach and a QB who has been with the team for less than three weeks. The Commanders’ defense will hold this offense in check while forcing multiple turnovers, even without Chase Young. Washington covers as 7-point favorites and wins this one handily.
Commanders 24, Cardinals 10
