5 pivotal games that will define the Washington Commanders 2023 season

Commanders at Cowboys - Week 12 (Thanksgiving)

A divisional game on national TV? It does not get bigger or better than that for the Washington Commanders.

This will be the team’s second primetime game of the season. Their first one is a Thursday night matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 5.

After having arguably, the worst primetime game of the season in their rugged 12-7 win against the Bears, the Commanders are in desperate need of a strong showing in the spotlight. And what better way than Thanksgiving at 4.25 p.m. this season?

As mentioned earlier, the midseason crunch is the most pivotal part of the Commanders' campaign in 2023. From Week 8 to their bye, a majority of these contests will make or break their season.

They will play all divisional teams once during that time frame. Each week the stakes get higher and higher, which allows Dallas to top this list.

The last time these two matched up on Thanksgiving was in the 2020 season. The Commanders spanked the Cowboys in Dallas 41-16 during one of the most memorable performances in recent memory.

Sam Howell’s first start was against the Cowboys in Week 18 last year. The second-year pro will be hoping for similar success next time around with the NFL watching.

If Howell can lead the team to another victory over a potential playoff team in the Cowboys, then it will legitimize his long-term chances. Potentially proving it was not a lucky break after all.