Commanders vs. Packers: Three must-know storylines for Thursday's Week 2 prime-time game

Lambeau Field was a massive party in Week 1, celebrating the debut of Micah Parsons and the Packers' statement victory over the Detroit Lions. The fans will be back four days later for an equally tough opponent in the Commanders and their electric quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Both teams flexed their defensive muscle and had some promising offensive returns in their first games. Packers QB Jordan Love started hot and avoided major mistakes against Detroit. He'll be facing a Washington defense that held the Giants in neutral (six points) on Sunday.

Thursday could pit two major NFC contenders against each other in a sneaky-big early-season matchup.

Three must-know storylines

1) Parsons hopes to keep sacks coming

Micah Parsons' debut was a rousing affair as the Packers' new star pass rusher supplied three pressures (including one that led to an interception) and a late sack, bringing the Lambeau Field crowd to its feet once more in the blowout win. It was clear his presence had an effect on the rest of the Green Bay defense, too.

Parsons figures to be a key factor Thursday night against an explosive Washington offense led by Jayden Daniels, one of the game's best dual-threat QBs.

Parsons has 10.5 sacks in eight career games vs. Washington -- nearly twice as many as he has vs. any other team -- including 4.5 in two games against Daniels last season. He's also gone head-to-head against Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil, with great battles between them in 2022 and 2024. Tunsil didn't allow any sacks in those two games.

In his Packers debut, Parsons mostly rushed from the defensive left side, which means he could be matched up with rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who faced some heat from the Giants' pass rush last week. The Packers also have played it safely vs. athletic QBs in the past, not hell-bent rushing but rather trying to keep them in the pocket.

Parsons played 29 of 65 defensive snaps in the opener, per Next Gen Stats, which was more than the Packers had planned on going in. It will be interesting to see how much work he's capable of handling after a short turnaround.

2) Daniels, Samuel spearhead Commanders attack

Washington took an offense that was a top-10 unit a year ago and beefed it up. In addition to the new pair of tackles, the Commanders also added Deebo Samuel do-it-all weapon.

In the opener, Samuel caught seven passes for 77 yards, operating mostly from the slot, and he added a 19-yard TD run to put the Giants away. Samuel also returned two kickoffs and clearly will be used in myriad ways this season.

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders cost themselves points in the opener but still showed explosive potential despite the game being close well into the fourth quarter. Daniels' throwing accuracy can be hit or miss at times, but his scrambling ability will tax the Packers defense. Commanders coach Dan Quinn says he has "zero concerns" about Daniels' right wrist, which popped up on the injury report Monday. Daniels has been a full practice participant in the lead up to Thursday.

Packers nickel cornerback Javon Bullard was picked on a bit in the opener, allowing 10 catches (on 11 targets) for 73 yards, per NGS. You can bet Washington will look for Samuel when they're matched up.

3) Love mostly good in Week 1, but Commanders D looked better

It's entirely possible that Micah Parsons was the missing piece for a Super Bowl in Green Bay. But in order for the Packers to compete for a championship, Jordan Love needs to be a huge part of the equation.

In Week 1 against the Lions, Love started hot with two first-half TD passes and a big fourth-down sneak to set up a touchdown that put Detroit away. His preseason left thumb injury appeared to be a non-factor in the opener, although Love was not perfect. He got away with one shaky series that featured a dropped pick and an INT called back by penalty.

The Commanders know their Super Bowl formula includes improvement on defense, and the Week 1 results were very encouraging. Even vs. a limited Giants offense, Washington clamped down, allowing six points, 231 yards and 4-of-16 conversions on third downs. Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw were disruptive inside, Deatrich Wiseand Dorance Armstrong heated up the edges and 2024 trade acquisition Marshon Lattimore looked far better than he did a year ago.

The Packers know they must run the ball more consistently with Josh Jacobs. But Love also must threaten downfield with his receivers. Romeo Doubs showed life, rookie Matthew Golden can roll and Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks figure to play major roles again. They also have a major threat in tight end Tucker Kraft, who caught a touchdown in Week 1.

Commanders' Week 2 injury report

Packers' Week 2 injury report