Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

M. Brown (Arizona Cardinals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +2.57 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 5 snaps. Their top snap (+1.49 EPA): (4:58) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass short right to 2-M.Brown ran ob at ARI 45 for 8 yards..

Cardinals 16–20 Commanders: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2023

Game story

The Washington Commanders defeated the Arizona Cardinals 20–16 in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-09-10, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-27.6% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Arizona Cardinals swung the momentum.

In Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-09-10, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 20–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 13 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

S. Howell (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with -7.31 total EPA, and -6.9% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Brown (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +2.57 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-27.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (4:45) 9-J.Dobbs FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 38, and recovers at ARI 37. 9-J.Dobbs to ARI 37 for no gain (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat), touched at ARI 38, RECOVERED by WAS-92-A.Anderson at ARI 37. P

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Arizona Cardinals	3	10	3	0	0	16
Washington Commanders	7	3	0	10	0	20

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1 M. Brown · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.57 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
2 M. Brown · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +2.17 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.17 EPA/play
3 T. McBride · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.60 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
4 R. Moore · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.52 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
5 T. McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.43 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
6 C. Turner · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.23 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
7 B. Robinson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +0.98 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
8 A. Gibson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +0.38 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

M. Brown — ARI · Receiving

M. Brown posted the highest total EPA (+2.57) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +0.51 EPA per play.

The signature play (-7.30 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (1:02) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell sacked at WAS 12 for -14 yards (45-D.Gardeck). FUMBLES (45-D.Gardeck) [45-D.Gardeck], RECOVERED by ARI-97-C.Thomas at WAS 2. 97-C.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Washington Commanders — B. Robinson (S. Howell pass) (Q1 49:22)
Arizona Cardinals — C. Thomas (Q2 31:02)
Washington Commanders — S. Howell (Q4 11:54)

Field goals

Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q1 45:56)
Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q2 43:31)
Washington Commanders — J. Slye (Q2 30:03)
Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q3 25:12)
Washington Commanders — J. Slye (Q4 2:26)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 7 (Q1 49:22) — (4:22) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short left to 8-B.Robinson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 49:15) — 6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 11 (Q1 45:56) — (:56) 5-M.Prater 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney..

The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 36 (Q2 43:31) — (13:31) 5-M.Prater 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 74 (Q2 31:02); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:55) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 12 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 6-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. Penalty on ARI-3-B.Baker, Defensive Offside, declined..

The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 3–0. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 19 (Q3 25:12) — (10:12) 5-M.Prater 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney..

The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 10–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 6 (Q4 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 11:48) — 6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 15 (Q4 2:26) — (2:26) 6-J.Slye 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

Arizona Cardinals (Q4 4:45) — (4:45) 9-J.Dobbs FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 38, and recovers at ARI 37. 9-J.Dobbs to ARI 37 for no gain (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat), touched at ARI 38, RECOVERED by WAS-92-A.Anderson at ARI 37. P [WPA -27.6% · EPA -5.89]
Washington Commanders (Q2 31:02) — (1:02) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell sacked at WAS 12 for -14 yards (45-D.Gardeck). FUMBLES (45-D.Gardeck) [45-D.Gardeck], RECOVERED by ARI-97-C.Thomas at WAS 2. 97-C.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.4% · EPA -7.30]
Washington Commanders (Q4 7:49) — (7:49) 5-T.Way punts 59 yards to ARI 8, Center-54-C.Cheeseman. 83-G.Dortch to ARI 21 for 13 yards (39-J.Reaves; 51-D.Mayo). [WPA -14.6% · EPA -0.63]
Washington Commanders (Q2 38:55) — (8:55) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson up the middle to ARI 16 for 3 yards (52-V.Dimukeje; 7-K.White). FUMBLES (52-V.Dimukeje), RECOVERED by ARI-25-Z.Collins at ARI 16. [WPA -14.4% · EPA -4.78]
Washington Commanders (Q4 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.8% · EPA +2.81]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

Washington Commanders (Q2 31:02) — (1:02) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell sacked at WAS 12 for -14 yards (45-D.Gardeck). FUMBLES (45-D.Gardeck) [45-D.Gardeck], RECOVERED by ARI-97-C.Thomas at WAS 2. 97-C.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.4% · EPA -7.30]
Arizona Cardinals (Q4 4:45) — (4:45) 9-J.Dobbs FUMBLES (Aborted) at ARI 38, and recovers at ARI 37. 9-J.Dobbs to ARI 37 for no gain (90-M.Sweat). FUMBLES (90-M.Sweat), touched at ARI 38, RECOVERED by WAS-92-A.Anderson at ARI 37. P [WPA -27.6% · EPA -5.89]
Washington Commanders (Q2 44:54) — (14:54) 14-S.Howell pass short left intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 25-Z.Collins (92-K.Strong) at WAS 38. 25-Z.Collins to WAS 37 for 1 yard (17-T.McLaurin). [WPA -12.4% · EPA -4.90]
Washington Commanders (Q2 38:55) — (8:55) (Shotgun) 24-A.Gibson up the middle to ARI 16 for 3 yards (52-V.Dimukeje; 7-K.White). FUMBLES (52-V.Dimukeje), RECOVERED by ARI-25-Z.Collins at ARI 16. [WPA -14.4% · EPA -4.78]

Quarterback report card

S.Howell led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

S.Howell (Washington Commanders) · 45 dropbacks · 42.2% completion · -6.9% CPOE · -0.16 EPA/play · -7.31 total EPA
J.Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +2.0% CPOE · -0.28 EPA/play · -10.41 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

Stat	Arizona Cardinals	Washington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play	-0.250	-0.200
Offensive success rate	32.9%	37.1%
Pass EPA/play	-0.281	-0.163
Rush EPA/play	-0.447	-0.326
Defensive EPA/play	+0.200	+0.250
Defensive success rate	62.9%	67.1%

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals -0.25, Washington Commanders -0.20) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Arizona Cardinals: 12 drives, -19.01 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 13 drives, -17.76 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

Washington Commanders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
M. Brown (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
S. Howell (WAS) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q1 49:22 · ARI 7 · Score 0-6
(4:22) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short left to 8-B.Robinson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 49:15 · ARI 15 · Score 0-7
6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 45:56 · WAS 11 · Score 3-7
(:56) 5-M.Prater 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 43:31 · WAS 36 · Score 6-7
(13:31) 5-M.Prater 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 31:02 · ARI 74 · Score 12-7
(1:02) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell sacked at WAS 12 for -14 yards (45-D.Gardeck). FUMBLES (45-D.Gardeck) [45-D.Gardeck], RECOVERED by ARI-97-C.Thomas at WAS 2. 97-C.T
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 30:55 · WAS 15 · Score 13-7
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · ARI 12 · Score 13-10
(:03) 6-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. Penalty on ARI-3-B.Baker, Defensive Offside, declined.
Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q3 25:12 · WAS 19 · Score 16-10
(10:12) 5-M.Prater 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 11:54 · ARI 6 · Score 16-16
(11:54) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 11:48 · ARI 15 · Score 16-17
6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 2:26 · ARI 15 · Score 16-20
(2:26) 6-J.Slye 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

The Washington Commanders beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-16 in Week 1, 2023 on 2023-09-10.

What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

The final score was Arizona Cardinals 16, Washington Commanders 20 (ARI 16-20 WAS) in Week 1, 2023 on 2023-09-10.

What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

Q1: Arizona Cardinals 3, Washington Commanders 7; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 10, Washington Commanders 3; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 3, Washington Commanders 0; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 0, Washington Commanders 10; Final: Arizona Cardinals 16, Washington Commanders 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

Washington Commanders touchdown — B. Robinson (S. Howell pass) (Q1 49:22) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Thomas (Q2 31:02) Washington Commanders touchdown — S. Howell (Q4 11:54) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q1 45:56, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q2 43:31, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Slye (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q3 25:12, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Slye (Q4 2:26, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

S. Howell (Washington Commanders), 42.2% completion, -6.9% CPOE, -0.16 EPA per dropback, -7.31 total passing EPA. J. Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals), 56.8% completion, +2.0% CPOE, -0.28 EPA per dropback, -10.41 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

M. Brown (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +2.57 on receiving plays. across 5 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.30 EPA): (1:02) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell sacked at WAS 12 for -14 yards (45-D.Gardeck). FUMBLES (45-D.Gardeck) [45-D.Gardeck], RECOVERED by ARI-97-C.Thomas at WAS 2. 97-C.Thomas for 2 yards, T. The biggest win-probability swing was -27.6%.

Was Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Washington Commanders won 20-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Arizona Cardinals

Now 0-1 L

Washington Commanders

Now 1-0 W

Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Commanders: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Game story

Line score

Stars of the game

Player of the game