The Washington Commanders are entering a new era in 2023 and boy, the NFL couldn't have given them a better first opponent than the Arizona Cardinals.

Both teams are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to the context surrounding each franchise. The Commanders, one on hand, are ripe with optimism after Dan Snyder's exit and what looks to be Sam Howell's arrival. While, on the other, the Cardinals are in complete disarray from the top-down as they enter a new era under Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.

Either way, it's safe to say both teams are excited for Sunday simply because football is back. It's a clean slate until their 60 minutes is up and then it's a marathon from that point on.

Below is how you can watch, stream, and/or listen to the game on Sunday:

Washington Commanders (0-0) vs. Arizona Cardinals (0-0)
Date: Sunday, September 10
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: FedEx Field / North Englewood, MD
Betting odds: Commanders -7, Over/Under 37.5
How to watch on TV: WRC-TV (NBC 4)
Streaming: FuboTV, NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket, Commanders App, network apps, etc.
Radio: BIG 100 (WBIG-FM) (click here for Commanders Radio Network affiliates)

How does Sam Howell look?

It's an obvious question, but it's easily the most important. We all know how vital the quarterback position is to NFL success and right now, the Commanders need Howell to step up and become "the guy" in 2023.

Now, that doesn't mean he needs to lead the NFL in touchdown passes, make a Pro Bowl, or anything like that. They just need him to provide stable, consistent play and develop as the season moves along.

This week's matchup certainly won't be the end-all-tell-all for Howell, but it'll give us a decent idea of what to expect from the second-year QB.

Will the pass rush dominate?

The last time Washington made the playoffs it was because of fearsome front four that racked up the sixth-most sacks (47) and helped the defense hold opponents to the fourth-lowest scoring average (20.6 ppg) in 2020.

Even if Chase Young doesn't play, the Commanders still have an excellent pass-rushing trio of Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne. Those three guys are more than capable of doing enough damage to wreck an offensive game plan and they should find plenty of success against a poor Cardinals o-line.

If they don't, well, it won't tell the whole story of 2023, but it'll certainly be a discouraging start that will raise eyebrows.

3 players to watch (that aren't Sam Howell)

• WR Curtis Samuel: When healthy Samuel is one of the better and more underrated playmakers in the NFL. He is fully healthy heading into 2023 after playing in all 17 games last year, so it looks like 2023 could be the year we see him take off. Having an offensive coordinator like Eric Bienemy, who will find plenty of creative ways to use Samuel, only increases the odds of a big year.
• CB Emmanuel Forbes: The rookie first-rounder had a solid training camp/preseason, but now is when the reps really matter. Will he hit the ground running or will the inevitable growing pains present itself as early as Week 1?
• LB Jamin Davis: This is a big year for Davis, who took step forward in Year 2. The Commanders will decide whether or not to approve his fifth-year option after 2023, so he needs to continue his development. Getting off to a fast start against the Cardinals will certainly help with that.

More Commanders news ahead of the game:

• Commanders give an old friend a chance to keep playing football

Featured image via Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports