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Redskins vs. Raiders: Riggo’s Rag Week 3 Prediction Duel

By Matthew Valdovinos

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 27: Kicker Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 27, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 27: Kicker Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 27, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Matt’s prediction

Most people know me as an optimist, and per usual, I’m riding with the boys in burgundy. I think the Redskins finally have a statement game to show the NFL they are truly playoff contenders.

The Redskins silenced some doubters with their win over Los Angeles. Now comes the biggest test of the young season. The Raiders are one of the NFL’s elite teams, and currently boast what may be the most complete offense in the league. The passing attack is led by Derek Carr and his highly talented group of pass catchers, and they are supported by the rushing attack led by newly un-retired Marshawn “Beast-Mode” Lynch. The offense is rounded out by one of the strongest offensive lines in all of football. Going into the season, Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus ranked the Oakland offensive line as the 7th best in the league. They haven’t disappointed yet.

The weakness of the Raiders is their suspect defense. They have a game changing player in Khalil Mack, but the talent around him is lacking. The Redskins can look to exploit this weakness. In the past 34 games, the Redskins are 15-2-1 when rushing for 90 or more yards, but they’re 3-13 when rushing for less. If the Redskins can establish their running game early, they will be able to stay with the Raiders’ explosive offense, and even keep them off the field.

If both offenses are at their best, then the outcome of the game will boil down to which defense is able to step up. Luckily, the Redskins seem stronger in this aspect. They boast a strong pass rush, boosted by an above-average secondary. My guess is whichever team wins the turnover battle will win the game. The Redskins offense will have its best game in prime time and come out on top of the Raiders 34-31. Dustin Hopkins will kick the game winner. What do you think, Ian?

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