Commanders at Packers - Week 2
- Date: Thursday, September 11
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lambeau Field
- Channel: Amazon Prime
A quick turnaround awaits the Washington Commanders in Week 2. The first of several stand-alone games takes place on Thursday Night Football, and the Green Bay Packers promise to be a significant adversary to overcome.
The Packers caused a seismic stir by trading for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. While this removes the gifted player from the NFC East, the Commanders still need to fare better against the Penn State product to stand any chance of success.
It's a talented young team right on the cusp of contention in Green Bay. Quarterback Jordan Love is being touted as a potential NFL MVP candidate, first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden could be a major acquisition that warrants immediate respect, and running back Josh Jacobs remains one of the league's most productive.
Couple this with a stout defense that only got better with Parsons' arrival, and it's not hard to see why this could be a daunting challenge for the Commanders with the prime-time spotlight glaring.
- Prediction: Loss (1-1)
Controlling the clock is key. The best way to limit Green Bay's explosive offense is to keep them off the field. Easier said than done, so this game might be a step too far for the Commanders at this early stage of the campaign.
Commanders vs. Raiders - Week 3
- Date: Sunday, September 21
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Commanders come off their mini-bye week against the Las Vegas Raiders. This represents the perfect chance to bounce back if they end up coming unstuck in Green Bay.
Although the Raiders aren't seen as a legitimate playoff challenger, they should be a lot better with head coach Pete Carroll leading the charge. Taking care of their potentially prolific offense first will be the key to a successful afternoon at the office.
The Raiders have an experienced quarterback in Geno Smith under center. First-round running back Ashton Jeanty is a major danger the Commanders must take seriously. Jakobi Myers and Amari Cooper can make plays in the passing game, and prolific tight end Brock Bowers is already an All-Pro-caliber performer.
If that wasn't enough, Las Vegas has stud edge rusher Maxx Crosby and former Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn leading their defensive charge. These are all problems Washington must solve, so winning in the trenches is pivotal.
This is where the Commanders might have an advantage if everyone meets expectations. If Jayden Daniels gets enough time in the pocket, the Commanders' wide receiver should have an edge over Las Vegas' current group of cornerbacks.
- Prediction: Win (2-1)
It's a winnable game for the Commanders. If they want to go deep into the postseason, these are the contests Washington needs to emerge victoriously from.