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5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Falcons in NFL Week 9

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins reacts after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins reacts after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins scrambles with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins scrambles with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

3. Alex Smith throws for at least three TDs on Sunday

So far this season, the Falcons defense has only been able to limit two quarterbacks to less than three passing touchdowns in any game. Who were they, you ask? Nick Foles and Eli Manning. Those aren’t two of the more inspiring names at the position, especially considering that the team faced Foles with a fully healthy defense and Manning posted nearly 400 yards on the Falcons defense.

On the Redskins side of the ball, Alex Smith has thrown for only eight touchdowns this year in seven games. The ‘Skins offense has been run-heavy so far, but Smith is just waiting to break out. It’s bound to happen at some point, but he’s still only thrown for two TDs at most in any game this season.

Something has to give in this matchup. I anticipate that will be on the Falcons side.

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Frankly, the Falcons just don’t have the personnel on defense to match up with the Redskins. Sure, the Washington receivers haven’t done much this season, but last week Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson really started to get into a bit more of a rhythm with Smith. That, plus a season-high in targets for Jordan Reed (12), should allow Washington to find some open men in the passing game.

If Smith doesn’t throw for three TDs, it wouldn’t be a major disappointment, as the run game could put up big numbers in this matchup as well. That said, this really is the time to get the passing game going, and Jay Gruden should know it.

If Gruden can scheme some receivers open — a strength of his — that will afford Smith an opportunity to rack up scores. And if they can do that, then they will earn some more respect after three straight “ugly” wins.

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