How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games following an outstanding 2-0 opening to the 2023 campaign?
Not many envisaged the Washington Commanders to be 2-0 at this stage of the season. But after the most astonishing and dramatic comeback victory at the Denver Broncos in Week 2, that's exactly where Ron Rivera finds himself.
It's evident that there is real momentum building where the Commanders are concerned. New ownership and a reinvigorated locker room all pulling in the same direction have been the catalyst behind rapid improvements, with the presence of Eric Bieniemy turning the offense around something else that cannot be ignored.
Tougher tests are coming, starting this weekend in front of another sold-out crowd at FedEx Field. But the Commanders have a little extra freedom and confidence to know they are capable of almost anything if they execute game plans effectively.
With this in mind, here's how the Commanders could fare over their next four games following a 2-0 start in 2023.
Commanders vs. Bills - Week 3
Despite the obvious talent across the Buffalo Bills, two straight victories mean the Washington Commanders have absolutely nothing to fear. They are 6.5-point underdogs according to most sportsbooks, which is a pretty strange spread when one considers how well everything clicked in the second half at the Denver Broncos.
Buffalo recovered from their disappointing Week 1 loss to trounce the Las Vegas Raiders. Any offense led by quarterback Josh Allen deserves respect, but Washington's defensive line has been causing absolutely havoc and Chase Young's return only strengthens his area of the field.
Prediction: Win (3-0)
This could easily go the other way. However, the Commanders are playing with house money and if this additional freedom sparks further improvements, gaining a statement win on home soil is not entirely out of the question.
Commanders at Eagles - Week 4
Going to the Philadelphia Eagles is never the most anticipated game on the calendar. This is a hostile atmosphere with a borderline abusive fanbase that makes things extremely uncomfortable for anyone who isn't following their beloved team positively at Lincoln Financial Field.
This level of intimidation is nothing that should phase the Washington Commanders. They go to Philadelphia every year, but much will also depend on whether quarterback Sam Howell handles the pressure in only the second road start of his professional career.
Howell recovered well from some early jitters to put together a masterful display in the second half against the Denver Broncos. Some of the throws he managed to complete were nothing short of staggering and when the Commanders needed him to produce late, the former fifth-round selection duly delivered.
This would have been a significant confidence boost for Howell. However, doing the same in Philadelphia is a completely different ball game.
The Eagles might not be setting the world alight currently, but they are 2-0. By this stage, Nick Sirianni should have all the kinks ironed out to make things more difficult.
Prediction: Loss (3-1)
Losing against divisional opposition is never welcome. But if the Commanders go into this one unbeaten with some winnable games on the horizon, it's not the end of the world by any stretch.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 5
As far as bounce-back games go, this is a pretty good one given the current state of affairs within the Chicago Bears. Things are not going well in the Windy City despite some significant investment in playing personnel this offseason, so this is a good chance for the Washington Commanders to take advantage of such dysfunction with the NFL world watching.
This is the first primetime game under Josh Harris' ownership group, so one should expect a real spectacle. But for Ron Rivera and his staff, getting another win in the column is their primary objective.
Chicago is in disarray currently. Justin Fields is having some significant problems under center and their defense has yet to meet expectations either - a dangerous combination considering how many jobs are seemingly on the line.
Much will depend on whether the Bears pull themselves together by this point, but this represents a tremendous opportunity for the Commanders to announce themselves on the national stage. Something that would put them right into the postseason picture heading into the midway point.
Prediction: Win (4-1)
The Commanders can ill-afford any complacency given their own urgent need to make strides with Harris' group of wealthy investors assessing everything associated with the franchise. But based on what we've seen over the opening fortnight, they have more than enough in their locker to get the job done.
Commanders at Falcons - Week 6
Another road game for the Washington Commanders. But unlike the previous two, this is one that Ron Rivera and his staff will mark as one they can secure success from.
The Atlanta Falcons are shockingly 2-0 right now. However, they didn't look like the most frightening team in the league over the opening fortnight, so the Commanders can go into this one brimming with confidence.
Washington's defense is the key component here. Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder has some severe limitations, so stopping Atlanta's exceptional running back tandem of Tyler Allgeier and first-round sensation Bijan Robinson will go a long way toward the Commanders winning.
Pressurizing Ridder results in mistakes. That's the way it was for the signal-caller in college and that's the way he's been in the pros.
The Commanders have the defensive front to give Ridder nightmares. This is also a fast-track indoors at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium, which should suit Washington's dynamic playmakers on offense down to the ground.
Prediction: Win (5-1)
This would be nothing short of a dream for the Commanders. Starting the campaign 5-1 would be better than even the brightest optimism hoped for, but it's something that looks entirely possible if they can pull off a major upset this weekend when the Buffalo Bills come to town.