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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 – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after teammate running back Rob Kelley #32 (not pictured) scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on November 20, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after teammate running back Rob Kelley #32 (not pictured) scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on November 20, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Ian’s prediction

I wouldn’t call myself a pessimist. I’m more of a realist. In the offseason, it was realistic to assume that the Redskins offense would be very good this year. And now, two weeks into the season, it’s realistic to expect Cousins to be a decent game manager. Oh, how times change.

In Week 3, however, I believe the tides will turn yet again, and Kirk Cousins will find his offensive rhythm. The Raiders’ defense, save for one or two solid to decent players, isn’t a top-tier unit. And the secondary is especially suspect. David Amerson is better than the credit he receives, and Gareon Conley has shown early promise as a rookie, but the unit has no depth. Their linebackers certainly won’t be helping them out.

Khalil Mack is the biggest threat to the Redskins’ offense, and if Morgan Moses continues to improve like he did against the Rams, then getting to the quarterback could prove to be harder than advertised. This game, unlike the Redskins’ games before it, will not be primarily defensive. The Redskins’ offense will make big plays, and the Raiders will counter to stay in it.

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The Raiders are a playoff caliber team with their offense alone, and many would choose to dismiss the Redskins for that fact alone, but let’s not forget that the Redskins are a very similar team to the Raiders. And what they lack on the offensive side of the ball, they compensate for on the defense. The Redskins defense will give the Raiders a run for their money, even with the hole at safety. The Raiders will still move the ball, but the Redskins will be with them for every step.

In the end, I see this as the game in which the Redskins finally find their identity and their balance. Last year, Kirk Cousins found his groove in Week 3 with a win against the Giants, and in the next eight weeks, the team went 6-1-1. Like last year, three will be the magic number. The offensive line will get in check, giving Cousins more confidence, and the running backs more room to run. The score will ramp up for both teams, and in the end, the Redskins will come out on top, solidifying themselves as a true contender in the NFC East, at least until they play the Chiefs. I’ve got the Redskins winning this one as well, 37-34.

Next: 5 Bold predictions for Redskins vs. Raiders in NFL Week 3

Both writers picked the Redskins to win in high-scoring matchups this week. Do you think they got it right? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and tune in to the Redskins’ Sunday Night matchup on NBC at 8:30! The team is looking to break .500 for the first time this season. But they’ll have to give the Raiders their first loss to do it.

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