Can the Washington Commanders begin the Josh Harris era with a 2-0 record?
Washington travels to Denver to face the 0-1 Broncos on Sunday afternoon. The Broncos are looking to avoid falling to 0-2 in Sean Payton’s first year as head coach.
Buy Commanders TicketsThe Commanders survived the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 despite turning the ball over three times. Washington’s defense smothered the Cardinals, allowing only 210 total yards.
We make our picks for the Commanders and Broncos.
Bryan Manning
I believe these teams are evenly matched. Overall, I think Washington has more overall talent, but I do believe the Broncos are better in some areas. These are the types of games the Commanders have lost over and over throughout the years. A win on Sunday would be huge for Washington, with back-to-back games coming up against the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.
I think we see a close game that comes down to the final possession — a safe prediction for the Commanders under Ron Rivera — and Sam Howell makes more plays than Russell Wilson to start his career 3-0 as an NFL quarterback.
Commanders 19, Broncos 16
Ivan Lambert
This is quarterback Sam Howell’s first NFL road start. It would be totally understandable if he has some difficulties, such as getting the play off on time, cadence issues, resulting in a few false starts. How much will he be adversely affected?
The Commanders’ running game averaged only 3.3 yards a carry last week, while the Broncos averaged 4.3 a carry last week. Last week’s longest Commanders’ run was a mere 7 yards. The running game needs to help Howell much more than that.
The Commanders defense must keep Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson contained in the pocket.
This is going to be a close, tough game. I am concerned long snapper Camaron Cheeseman could cost the team a close game, as his snapping thus far through the preseason and again last week, and needs to get back to his previous level.
Commanders 20, Broncos 17
