The Washington Commanders head in to their Week 1 match-up against the Arizona Cardinals beginning a new era – the Josh Harris Era. Though it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, it is also known as the Non-Dan-Snyder-Era. Given how things have been in Washington for the last two decades, that’s a monumental moment in franchise history.
What does the new era hold for Washington fans? So far – unbridled joy.
Here is a look at the matchup between these two teams.
Head-To-Head
The Washington / Cardinals rivalry has seen 125 games, with Washington winning 76 times and the Cardinals winning 47 times. They have also tied 2 times.
The Cardinals have won three of the last 5 meetings, including the last one in 2020.
Last 5 Meetings:
Odds
The Commanders are home favorites.
Spread: Commanders (-7)
Moneyline: Commanders (-300); Cardinals (+240)
Over/Under: 38
The Commanders were 8-8-1 against the spread last season – same as their straight up record. The Cards were 8-9 against the spread.
Injuries
Will Terry McLaurin be able to play? And who’s returning kicks for Washington?
How about Zach Ertz, will he be able to go for Arizona?
Kyler Murray won’t be available until at least Week 5, so Josh Dobbs will get the nod.
Washington:
Chase Young | DE | Neck | Limited Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 vs. Arizona
Dax Milne | WR | Groin | Did Not Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 vs. Arizona
Terry McLaurin | WR | Toe | Limited Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 vs. Arizona
Efe Obada | DE | Knee | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 5
Kaden Smith | TE | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve
Phidarian Mathis | DT | Calf | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 5
Braeden Daniels | OG | Shoulder | IR. Injured Reserve
Brandon Dillon | TE | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve
Troy Apke | DB | Shoulder | IR. Injured Reserve
Curtis Brooks | DT | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve
David Bada | DE | Triceps | IR. Injured Reserve
Drew White | LB | Knee | Physically Unable to Perform. Expected Return – Week 5
Armani Rogers | TE | Achilles | IR. Injured Reserve
Arizona
Marquise Brown | WR | Hamstring | Limited Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 at Washington
Kelvin Beachum | OT | Hand | Limited Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 at Washington
Zach Ertz | TE | Knee – ACL + MCL | Limited Practice on Wednesday. Questionable for Week 1 at Washington
Pat Elflein | C | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve
Kyler Murray | QB | Knee – ACL | Physically Unable to Perform. Expected Return – Week 5
Dennis Daley | OT | Ankle | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 5
Jon Gaines II | OG | Knee | IR. Injured Reserve
Myjai Sanders | LB | Hand | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 5
Garrett Williams | CB | Knee – ACL | Active/NFI
Rashad Fenton | CB | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve
Marlon Mack | RB | Achilles | IR. Injured Reserve
Matt Hembrough | LS | Back | IR. Injured Reserve
There’s lots to tune in for in this one. How will Eric Bieniemy do in his first game as offensive coordinator for the Commanders? Can Sam Howell be the number one guy for the entire season for Washington? Can rookie Emmanuel Forbes take his ball-hawking to the next level and grab an interception against Kyler Murray’s fill-in?
Hit us up on Twitter and let us know what you think!