2023 Washington Commanders schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Commanders schedule. Per NFL research, Commanders opponents had a 153-133-2 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the eighth-most difficult in the league. Here’s what stands out. 

Circle the date: Week 1, vs. Cardinals (Sept. 10)

NFL seasons aren’t lost in Week 1, but starting quarterback jobs can be. Sam Howell was a fifth-round draft pick in 2022 and will begin 2023 as the team’s starter. He won his only start against the Cowboys last year, but 169 yards, one touchdown and an interception hardly guarantees his spot.

Even with players like Will Levis and Hendon Hooker available, the Commanders chose not to take a quarterback in the draft. They did add Jacoby Brissett, and if Howell struggles against Arizona, head coach Ron Rivera will have no problem pulling him for an established veteran like Brissett. Howell’s on a short leash and needs a fast start.

Toughest stretch: Week 16 through Week 18

On the road with Aaron Rodgers on Christmas Eve, at home with the 49ers for New Year’s Eve and TBD with the Cowboys to end the regular season. If the Commanders aren’t already eliminated from playoff contention, this stretch could do it.

Easiest stretch: Week 1 and Week 2

Could there be a better way to start the season than at home against a Cardinals team with a new head coach and without Kyler Murray? Arizona won four games last season and shouldn’t expect to win much more with Colt McCoy under center.

The Broncos were almost as bad in 2022. New head coach Sean Peyton should help, but he can’t fix everything by Week 2. The Commanders were only 4-3-1 on the road last year, but if Russell Wilson can’t bounce back, Washington’s defense could have a field day.

Ugliest game: Week 5, vs. Bears ("Thursday Night Football")

Last season, the Commanders beat the Bears 12-7 on "Thursday Night Football" in what many considered the ugliest game of 2022. The game featured 10 punts and 99 yards passing from Carson Wentz who was benched for Taylor Heinicke the following week.

In the game, Washington was penalized twice for having 12 men on the field and even ran a play on the final drive with only 10 men. The Bears didn’t do much better. Chicago’s offense had three offensive possessions inside Washington’s 5-yard line and scored 0 points.

So why the NFL chose to put the rematch back on "Thursday Night Football" is anybody's guess. Washington fans and a national audience deserve better.