Early NFL picks, predictions for Week 1 of 2023 season

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

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NFL Picks; Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy stands on the field during Commanders rookie minicamp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals (4-13) @ Washington Commanders (8-8-1)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET, FedExField, Landover

If we’re being picky, this might actually be the “worst” matchup on the NFL’s Week 1 slate, although by the time September rolls around, is anybody going to be complaining about any of these games?

Not likely.

The Arizona Cardinals should be expected to be the worst team in the NFL this coming season. They easily have the worst roster, although they still have some decent players on either side of the ball. The biggest factor here is Kyler Murray’s health. If Murray is unable to play at the start of the season, a reasonable expectation given the nature of his knee injury, then the Cardinals’ top option right now is Colt McCoy.

I can’t help but wonder what the Commanders’ elite defensive front might do to McCoy in this game, and just how many times the ball might get turned over.

The Commanders are breaking in a young QB themselves. The 2022 NFL Draft class was so odd, because it included a number of guys that all separately received first-round hype at one point or another (like Sam Howell) but they all ended up going way later than expected. Sam Howell was supposed to be a candidate for the no. 1 overall pick at one point.

And then he went in round five.

But the Commanders are putting their faith in Howell. He’s their unquestioned starter at this point, unless Jacoby Brissett has something to say about it.

I feel confident at this point in time about picking the Commanders with new OC Eric Bieniemy to come out in Week 1 at home and get a win.

Prediction: Commanders win 21-13

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