The Washington Commanders’ 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be a roller coaster ride. The team is not only looking to improve on their previous season’s performance but also eyeing a playoff run. The schedule, which features a mix of formidable opponents and potential sleeper teams, presents a true test of the Commanders’ grit, skill, and determination. Head Coach Ron Rivera, along with the team’s potential new starting quarterback Sam Howell, will have a challenging but exciting year ahead.
Washington Commanders Schedule 2023
Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | TV |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sun, Sep 10 | vs Arizona Cardinals | 5:00 PM | FOX |
2 | Sun, Sep 17 | @ Denver Broncos | 8:25 PM | CBS |
3 | Sun, Sep 24 | vs Buffalo Bills | 5:00 PM | CBS |
4 | Sun, Oct 1 | @ Philadelphia Eagles | 5:00 PM | FOX |
5 | Fri, Oct 6 | vs Chicago Bears | 12:15 AM | PRIME VIDEO |
6 | Sun, Oct 15 | @ Atlanta Falcons | 5:00 PM | CBS |
7 | Sun, Oct 22 | @ New York Giants | 5:00 PM | CBS |
8 | Sun, Oct 29 | vs Philadelphia Eagles | 5:00 PM | FOX |
9 | Sun, Nov 5 | @ New England Patriots | 6:00 PM | FOX |
10 | Sun, Nov 12 | @ Seattle Seahawks | 9:25 PM | FOX |
11 | Sun, Nov 19 | vs New York Giants | 6:00 PM | FOX |
12 | Thu, Nov 23 | @ Dallas Cowboys | 9:30 PM | CBS |
13 | Sun, Dec 3 | vs Miami Dolphins | 6:00 PM | FOX |
14 | BYE WEEK | – | – | – |
15 | Sun, Dec 17 | @ Los Angeles Rams | 9:05 PM | CBS |
16 | Sun, Dec 24 | @ New York Jets | 6:00 PM | CBS |
17 | Sun, Dec 31 | vs San Francisco 49ers | 6:00 PM | FOX |
18 | Sun, Jan 7 | vs Dallas Cowboys | TBD | TBD |
Strength of Schedule
The Washington Commanders’ 2023 season is laden with a variety of matchups that span the entire spectrum of difficulty. With tough fixtures against last year’s playoff teams like the Bills, Eagles, Giants, Patriots, Seahawks, Dolphins, Rams, and 49ers, Washington’s schedule is a gauntlet of potent competition. Even the games against teams like the Cardinals and Falcons, while potentially easier, carry their own sets of challenges.
Prime Time Games
The Commander’s primetime game against the Bears in Week 5 is one to watch out for, being a unique mid-week fixture. Another must-watch game is the Week 12 Thanksgiving Day clash against their bitter division rival Cowboys, with the game likely having significant implications for the race to the playoffs.
Commanders vs. Bears (Week 5)
The Commanders will take the center stage for Thursday Night Football in Week 5, facing off against the Chicago Bears. The Bears, with their stout defense and revitalized offense, can certainly put up a tough fight. In order to seize victory, the Commanders will need to utilize their gifted roster to the fullest, including their defensive stars and new quarterbacking talent. This mid-week fixture can serve as an important litmus test for the Commanders’ playoff aspirations and their ability to perform under the bright lights of primetime football.”
Commanders vs Cowboys (Week 12)
The Commanders hit the road for a Thanksgiving Day showdown against division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in Week 12. The Cowboys, known for their potent offense and home-field advantage on Turkey Day, present a significant challenge. The Commanders will need to rely on their defense to limit the Cowboys’ explosive plays and their offense to keep pace. This holiday clash, apart from being a time-honored tradition, can be a crucial turning point in the season, especially with regards to divisional standings and postseason implications.”
Predicted Season Outcome
Predicting a 7-10 finish for the Commanders, the season could go either way. Much depends on the team’s ability to negotiate the challenging schedule, the performance of their offense under new coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and their defense maintaining a top-10 level. Furthermore, whether Howell proves to be a valuable addition as a starter will greatly impact the team’s fortunes.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders’ 2023 season will undoubtedly be a tough ride. Their schedule puts them in direct combat with a range of strong teams and features numerous highly anticipated games. However, with new additions, promising leadership, and an unwavering team spirit, the Commanders are poised to face the challenge head-on. Fans will surely be looking forward to an eventful and exciting season of football.
FAQS
The Washington Commanders’ bye week falls on week 14 of the 2023 season.
The Washington Commanders are playing their first game of the 2023 season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 10, at 5:00 PM.
The Washington Commanders’ first away game is on Sunday, September 17, at 8:25 PM against the Denver Broncos.