The Washington Commanders and the Denver Broncos meet Sunday in NFL action from Empower Field at Mile High. Washington enters this one after a Week 1 matchup versus the Cardinals. The Commanders ended up winning by four. As for Denver, they played the Raiders in their 2023 opener. In that one the Broncos fell in a one-point heartbreaker. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Washington Commanders 

The Commanders managed a nice 3-0 run in preseason play this year. Washington took out the Browns 17-15, then the Ravens 29-28 and the Bengals 21-19. In their Week 1 regular-season opener matchup versus the Cardinals, the Commanders were down 16-10 going into the final quarter. Washington scored 10 unanswered points from there and took a comeback win 20-16. 

Washington got 202 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 19-of-31 passing from QB Sam Howell in the Week 1 win. Howell also scored a rush TD. Brian Robinson had 19 carries for 59 yards to lead the team on the ground, and Curtis Samuel had five grabs for 54 yards receiving. 

Washington Commanders Team Facts

The Commanders have lost each of their last six road games in September.
The Commanders have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games in September.
The Commanders have lost the first half in each of their last eight September games as underdogs.
The Commanders have won the first quarter in four of their last five September games as underdogs against AFC opponents.
The Commanders have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four Sunday road games.

Denver Broncos 

Over on the Denver side, they posted just one win in their three preseason games this year. The Broncos lost to the Cardinals 18-17 and the 49ers 21-20 before finally getting a blowout win 41-0 over the Rams. In last Sunday’s opener matchup versus the Raiders, Denver was up 13-10 after three quarters. Following a 7-3 deficit in the fourth however, the Broncos lost 17-16. 

In Week 1 Denver’s Russell Wilson went 27-of-34 passing for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Samaje Perine caught four balls for 37 yards, and Adam Trautman had 34 yards off five grabs. Leading the rushing attack in the losing effort was Javonte Williams with 52 yards off 13 carries. 

Denver Broncos Team Facts

The Broncos have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a home loss.
The Broncos have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as favorites.
The Broncos have lost the first half in each of their last five games against NFC opponents.
The Broncos have lost the first quarter in three of their last four games as favorites against NFC opponents.
The Broncos have scored the first touchdown in nine of their last 12 Sunday games as home favorites.

Matchup/League Facts

The Broncos ranked 32nd in the NFL in points per game (16.9) last season
The Broncos ranked 32nd in the NFL in average kickoff return (17.5 yards) last season
The Commanders ranked 3rd in the NFL in yards allowed per game (304.6) last season
The Commanders ranked 4th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (191.3) last season

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with the Broncos. Also probably staying away. Neither one of these teams played especially well in Week 1, but overall we should have a decent matchup on our hands. The Broncos have a few things to work on after a tepid 260 total yards (166 passing) in their Week 1 loss. Denver also played a sloppy game with 10 penalties for 83 yards (Las Vegas had 10 for 97 themselves). That said it was a pretty good effort overall by the defense. 

As for Washington, they managed 248 total yards (156 passing), 4-of-12 on third-down tries, three turnovers and eight penalties for 69 yards in their Week 1 victory. The Commanders also got a solid defensive effort in a sloppy game, and the W is all that really counts. Should be a fun matchup in Week 2, and I think Denver can pull it off.