The Washington Commanders visit Lambeau Field on Thursday night seeking a statement victory against a Green Bay Packers team consider to be among the NFC favorites this season.
The Packers are coming off an impressive 27-13 season-opening victory against defending NFC North champion Detroit, while the Commanders’ defense was equally as impressive in a 21-6 rout over the New York Giants.
ODDS AND TRENDS
Green Bay is a consensus 3-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where the Packers were juiced at -118 Thursday afternoon while being backed by 71 percent of the spread-line money. By comparison, the line had moved to 3.5 at DraftKings, where Green Bay was at -102 compared to Washington at -118.
The Packers’ -186 moneyline at BetRivers had received one-sided action with 71 percent of the total bets and 75 percent of the money wagered.
Green Bay has covered the spread at the book in five of its past six games as favorites.
The 48 total points line has seen the Over backed by 68 percent of the total bets and 85 percent of the money.
KEY STAT
The Packers have a six-game home winning streak against the Commanders
PROP PICKS
–Packers RB Josh Jacobs Anytime TD (-200 at DraftKings): Jacobs has scored at least one touchdown in 10 consecutive games, including last season’s playoff loss.
–Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Anytime TD (+185 at DraftKings): McLaurin has at touchdown in nine of Washington’s past 10 road games. He’ll be looking to bounce back after catching two of four targets for only 27 yards in Week 1
FEELING DEFENSIVE
Pass rusher Micah Parsons registered his first sack late in the fourth quarter of his Packers debut, but the rest of Green Bay’s defense also was stellar against the Lions’ high-powered offense. Parsons (back) was listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report after being limited in practice, but Parsons had the same status last week and played on a limited basis.
“I was super impressed with the speed of their defense,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday. “When you watch through the drafts, OK, linebacker, yes. Linebacker, yes. Then adding safeties, (defensive lineman Rashan) Gary on the outside, adding Micah to that.”
Green Bay denied the Lions the end zone until the final minute. Detroit managed just 246 total yards, including 46 on the ground. The Packers had nine tackles for loss with four sacks.
The Packers’ offense was efficient early, forging a 17-3 halftime lead behind Jordan Love’s two touchdown passes. Love completed 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards to 10 receivers. Josh Jacobs ran for 66 of Green Bay’s 78 yards on the ground.
The Packers held walkthroughs Monday and Tuesday, which is different than a normal week, because head coach Matt LaFleur wanted to feed them Commanders intelligence as early as possible.
Washington’s defense, shredded in a 55-23 loss to Philadelphia in the NFC title game last postseason, held the Giants to 231 total yards and 4 of 16 on third-down conversions.
The Commanders piled up 432 yards in total offense. Jayden Daniels completed 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions while adding 68 yards on the ground. Deebo Samuel had seven receptions for 77 yards in his Commanders’ debut and rushed 19 yards for a score on his only attempt.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt carried 10 times for 82 yards, including a score, as Washington ran for 220 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per carry.
INJURY REPORT
Four Packers injured in the season opener did not participate either day: guard Aaron Banks (ankle/groin), defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (groin), cornerback Bo Melton (shoulder) and right tackle Zach Tom (oblique).
“We’ll give (Banks and Tom) all the way up to game time to see where they’re at,” LaFleur said Tuesday. “Certainly two guys who have a lot of experience, so I’m not as concerned about them (missing practice reps). Yeah, we’re walking through, but there’s no live reps this week.”
Cox and Melton were ruled out in Wednesday’s injury report, while Banks and Tom are questionable after they did not participate in practice. Safety Zayne Anderson (knee) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) were limited participants and are questionable.
The Packers gave no game status for linebacker Quay Walker (quadricep), a full participant on Wednesday after sitting out Monday and being limited on Tuesday.
Daniels was listed on the injury report Monday with a right wrist injury, but Quinn said it was more of a formality. Daniels was a full participant in practice Wednesday and not on the report.
“We have no level (of concern), we’re just trying to keep it, policies and transparency, as clear as we can,” Quinn said, “But, we have zero concerns.”
Punter Tress Way did not participate in Monday’s walkthrough and was a limited participant on Tuesday and Wednesday after suffering a back injury in the opener.
“He’s improving and we’ll get some kicks in tomorrow and then get him ready to play,” Quinn said Tuesday.
Way was listed as questionable, as was defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (knee). The Commanders also limited running back Austin Ekeler (shoulder) at practice but gave him no game designation.
The team signed punter Mitch Wishnowsky to the practice squad and cut tight end Lawrence Cager from that squad. Wishnowsky, 33, was a fourth-round pick by San Francisco in 2019 and played for the 49ers in 92 regular-season games from 2019-24, averaging 45.6 yards per punt and 40.7 net yards.
THEY SAID IT
–“They have a system and a style and a way that they play and they really stay true to that. The proof is in the results of what they’ve done in the run game.” –Quinn
–“We’ve got a hell of a challenge this week against, in my opinion, one of the top offenses in the game. They’ve got a ton of weapons … there’s nothing (Daniels) can’t do.” –LaFleur
PREDICTION
This is a very intriguing matchup to kick off Week 2 between two of the NFC’s most well-rounded teams. The edge goes to the Packers at home on a short week, with Parsons & Co. able to keep tabs on Daniels and limit the Commanders’ big-play opportunities. –Packers 24, Commanders 23
