In a tightly contested matchup, the Washington Commanders narrowly defeated the Arizona Cardinals 20-17 in Week 12 of the 2026 season. Both teams were vying for crucial playoff positioning, but it was the Commanders who ultimately came out on top in this hard-fought battle. Sam Darnold of the Cardinals showcased his skills, throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Arizona offense. However, it was Jacory Croskey-Merritt's ground game that made a significant impact for the Commanders, as he rushed for 69 yards, helping to keep the chains moving. Cooper Kupp stood out as well, amassing 128 receiving yards, but his efforts weren't enough to secure the win for Arizona. Defensively, the Cardinals were led by Tre'Davious White, who recorded 10 total tackles, while Kaleb Proctor added a sack to the mix. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Washington's defense tightened up, forcing a critical turnover that allowed them to maintain their slim lead. The Commanders’ resilience on defense proved pivotal in holding off the Cardinals' late-game surge and securing the victory.