It’s a short week for the Washington Commanders. After defeating the New York Giants on Sunday, the Commanders are heading to Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field this Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

The 21-6 win over a division rival was a great way to start the season, especially after the preseason had us wondering what this team was going to do this year. But they showed up on Sunday, and despite a few shaky moments, they pulled off the win with ease.

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They’ll need to take the momentum from that win and carry it into Lambeau this week. The Packers looked like a new team in their 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and they’ll be playing on their own turf for the second week in a row. So, even though they have the same short week, they don’t have to travel.

Still, this isn’t the first time the Commanders have faced adversity, and it certainly won’t be the last. Heading into this Week 2, primetime matchup, there are four reasons for optimism for Commanders’ fans.

The Micah Parsons effect is still diluted

Against the Lions on Sunday, Parsons made one tackle, and it was for a loss as he sacked Jared Goff. But that is his only statistic from that game. He just joined the Packers in the last week or so, and he hasn’t had much time to acclimate to the team. The coaching staff is still implementing their plan for him, so his impact on the field isn’t going to be what the Commanders are used to seeing from him.

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Yes, Parsons knows the Commanders well; they have faced each other twice a year for the last four years, but he doesn’t know the Packers’ defense yet, or what they will ask of him. He was also limited in practice on Monday with a back injury. The Packers’ defense is still formidable, but Parsons isn’t going to have a huge impact this week.

Packers’ receivers are banged up

The Commanders’ secondary played well against the Giants on Sunday, holding Malik Nabers to 71 yards. Against the Packers this week, they face a banged-up bunch. Christian Watson remains out, Jayden Reed is nursing an injury, as are Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams.

That leaves Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft, and rookie Matthew Golden as the most viable options for Jordan Love. He’s had success with Doubs and Kraft, but the Packers are thin at the position this week.

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Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a hidden gem

Austin Ekeler may have gotten the start for the Commanders in Week 1, but Croskey-Merritt led the team in rushing with 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, including a 42-yard gain. Ekeler ended up with six carries for 26 yards. The rookie running back drafted in the sixth round earlier this year is proving to be exactly what the Commanders need in the absence of Brian Robinson Jr.

Ekeler will continue to start, but expect Croskey-Merritt to take even more carries. The Packers haven’t faced this kid before, so they can only plan based on film. Their defense allowed the Lions to record just 42 yards on the ground, but don’t be surprised if Croskey-Merrit shows out again.

Deebo Samuel still has it

With all the talk about Terry McLaurin’s contract extension this offseason, we haven’t really examined what Deebo Samuel has done since arriving on the East Coast. But if you watched the game against the Giants on Sunday, you saw what we all saw: McLaurin’s connection with Jayden Daniels is rusty. Samuel, however, caught seven of 10 passes thrown his way for 71 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

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The Packers’ secondary won’t be able to key in on one guy because the connection between McLaurin and Daniels is being repaired as this is being written, and with his obvious comfort with Samuel, plus his trust in Zach Ertz, the Packers will have to figure out a game plan that’s effective. Man coverage probably won’t work, but Samuel can break through a zone with relative ease, too. With his presence on the field, the Commanders will be able to move the ball down the field.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs. Packers: 4 reasons for optimism in Week 2