Redskins vs. Raiders: Game preview, how to watch, and more

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Perry Riley #56 of the Washington Redskins at O.co Coliseum on September 29, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Perry Riley #56 of the Washington Redskins at O.co Coliseum on September 29, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Now tied for the lead in the NFC East, the Redskins come into Sunday’s matchup with the Raiders looking not to enter the playoff race, but to stay in it.

A win against the Oakland Raiders, even at home, would be a powerful statement for a Redskins squad that is, by many accounts, the lesser team. The Redskins responded to odds like these similarly in a prime time matchup against Green Bay in 2016. Although the Packers were favorites that day, Washington’s offense had a season-best performance, and in the end, the burgundy and gold came out on top, 45-24.

This game isn’t the same. The Raiders are, by all accounts, a playoff favorite. If they don’t win the AFC West, playing second fiddle to the Kansas City Chiefs, then they are a wild card lock in many circles. Like the Packers of 2016, the biggest weakness for the Raiders is their secondary. Gareon Conley is proving to be a solid rookie contributor, but around him, the unit has lots of room for improvement. Sean Smith was a total free agency bust in 2016, and David Amerson can only take them so far.

On Sunday night, Washington’s full intention will be to halt their improvement for another week. Kirk Cousins got a little bit better against the Rams in Week 2, and in Week 3, with an improving offensive line and running game, there’s no reason Cousins can’t find his stride and elevate himself back to the level of football we saw him playing in previous years. It won’t be easy. But what better time and place to do just that than a Sunday Night Football matchup at FedEx Field?

The game will be played at 8:30 PM EST on Sunday. It will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sunday Night Football, and for the final hour before the game, CSN Mid-Atlantic will have pre-game content up and running. If for some reason, you are in the nation and you can not watch the nationally televised game, well… there is a solution for that. The game will also be nationally streamed live on both NFL Game Pass and FuboTV, so you may purchase their services if you like. And as always, Redskins Radio has you covered if none of these options are readily available. Good ol’ Larry Michaels is still at it.

Need to brush up on our pre-game coverage, so that you know everything there is to know before the game? Take a look at the links below!

Riggo’s Rag Pre-Game Coverage

Previewing the Redskins Week 3 matchup vs. the Raiders

Redskins ILB Mason Foster questionable with a shoulder injury

5 Bold predictions for Redskins matchup with Raiders

5 Matchups to watch in Redskins vs. Raiders

Rumors: Mack Brown set to be active for Redskins Week 3 contest

5 Redskins to watch in NFL Week 3 vs. Raiders

Madden Simulation projects Redskins loss to the Raiders in NFL Week 3

Interviewing the Enemy: 5 Questions with Just Blog Baby

That’s it from me! Be sure to read everything you can on the Redskins’ upcoming matchup, as this game will be their toughest yet. Keep an eye out for our Live Game Blog, which will be up later today to coincide with the start of the game. Make sure you don’t miss a beat of the action! You know you can get everything with Riggo’s Rag!