Final score prediction for Commanders vs. Cardinals, Week 1

Our staff makes their Week 1 prediction for the Commanders and Cardinals.

The Washington Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday from FedEx Field to kick off the 2023 season.

The Commanders enter Sunday’s as a 7-point favorite. Why is Washington such an overwhelming favorite? Let’s just say that reflects more on the perception of the Arizona Cardinals than what everyone thinks of the Commanders.

Washington has a chance to be a good team in 2023 — a playoff team. But, as of now, there are a lot of unknowns. The biggest unknown is quarterback Sam Howell. If Howell is as good as Washington believes he can be, the Commanders are a playoff team.

Will Washington begin the 2023 season 1-0?

We offer our final predictions for Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and Commanders.