The Washington Commanders travel to Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET on September 11. Both teams come in with 1-0 records after strong Week 1 wins. Washington beat the New York Giants 21-6, while Green Bay beat the Detroit Lions 27-13.
This is the first meeting between the teams since October 23, 2022, when Washington pulled off a 23-21 victory. Green Bay now looks different, led by Jordan Love at quarterback and new defensive star Micah Parsons. Washington is also moving forward with rookie Jayden Daniels under center, making this matchup an early test for both franchises.
Packers Preview – Defense set the tone in Week 1
Green Bay’s defense was the story in Week 1, holding Detroit to just 246 yards of offense. The Lions managed only 46 rushing yards on 22 attempts. The Packers finished with nine tackles for loss and four sacks, with Parsons recording his first as a Packer. Rashan Gary and the defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all game.
Jordan Love was efficient, completing 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He spread the ball to 10 different receivers, showing good command of the offense. Josh Jacobs led the ground attack with 66 yards, but the Packers only ran for 78 total, something the team will look to improve on in Week 2.
The injury list is a concern heading into Thursday. Jordan Love was listed with a thumb injury but is expected to play. Offensive linemen Aaron Banks (ankle/groin) and Zach Tom (oblique) are questionable, which could impact protection. Micah Parsons was also listed with a back issue but is trending toward being active.
Green Bay has covered the spread in 6 of its last 8 games at Lambeau Field. The defense has held five of its last six opponents under 21 points at home, making the Packers tough to beat in primetime games.
Commanders Preview – Ground game powered the opener
Washington’s offense exploded for 432 total yards against the Giants. The rushing attack was the difference, racking up 220 yards on 32 attempts. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt carried 10 times for 82 yards and a touchdown, showing speed and power. Deebo Samuel, making his debut, added 77 receiving yards and scored on a 19-yard run.
Jayden Daniels looked poised in his first start, completing 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 68 yards, giving the Commanders a true dual-threat element. Daniels has now accounted for 300+ total yards in two of his last three starts, dating back to preseason play.
Defensively, Washington clamped down on the Giants, allowing only 231 total yards and limiting them to 4 of 16 on third downs. The Commanders’ pass rush produced steady pressure, and the secondary held Daniel Jones under 60% passing. After being shredded in last year’s NFC title game, this unit showed early signs of improvement.
Injuries are worth monitoring. Daniels was listed with a wrist injury but is expected to play. Tight end John Bates (shoulder) and running back Austin Ekeler (shoulder) were also on the list. Punter Tress Way (back) is questionable, which could impact field position if he is limited. On defense, lineman Daron Payne (calf) is banged up, which could be a factor against Green Bay’s run game.
Washington has gone 8-2 over its last 10 games and is 6-4 against the spread in that span. The Commanders have also covered four straight on the road, making them a reliable underdog in recent weeks.
Betting Prediction
Oddsmakers have Green Bay as a -3.5 home favorite with the total set around 47.5 to 49. The Packers’ defense looked elite against Detroit, and now they face a Washington team that leans heavily on the run. Green Bay’s front seven should be tested by Daniels’ mobility and Samuel’s versatility, but the Packers’ speed on defense gives them an edge.
On offense, Green Bay may need to lean on short passing if the run game struggles again. Washington will try to control the tempo with its rushing attack and keep Jordan Love off the field. The Commanders’ defense has improved but faces a deeper passing attack than what the Giants offered. Home-field advantage in a primetime spot is also in Green Bay’s favor.
Projected score: Packers 24, Commanders 20. This result would mean Green Bay covers the -3.5 spread and the total stays Under 49. Betting trends also point to the Under, with both teams hitting it in Week 1. Washington has been solid against the number, but the Packers’ balance on both sides of the ball makes them the pick.
Pick: Packers -3.5 and Under 49
