The Washington Commanders have had another difficult few days. And things won't get any easier when the Seattle Seahawks visit Northwest Stadium in Week 3.
The Commanders have the defending Super Bowl champions for their home opener, and the game is expected to have less-than-ideal weather. Head coach Dan Quinn is also dealing with some significant injury problems, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won't have surgery or go to injured reserve after dislocating his shoulder.
Seattle will be looking to inflict more misery on Washington. Mike Macdonald's squad is 2-0 after an impressive start, picking up where they left off last season. Their defense is ferocious, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the league's most prolific wide receiver right now, and the Seahawks are also getting quarterback Sam Darnold back from injury.
Not exactly the easiest situation for Washington. But nobody is expecting anything other than a loss, which might actually work in their favor if they play with freedom and keep the crowd engaged.
Here are three bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 3 against the Seahawks.
Bold predictions for the Washington Commanders in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks
Commanders defense gains two turnovers
The Commanders have not taken the football away yet. This is deeply disappointing, especially given it was a major offseason emphasis. But with conditions not expected to be ideal in this one, there is time for that to change.
Washington has brought decent pressure from the defensive front seven, which they'll need again versus Seattle. Sam Darnold isn't making as many mistakes these days, but he can still get rattled. And barely playing so far this season means the Commanders might have some rust to capitalize on.
Sonny Styles gains 10+ tackles
With Frankie Luvu once again set to miss Washington's Week 3 game, the Commanders need Sonny Styles to continue his eye-starting opening to the campaign. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft isn't the finished product yet, but he's slowly building confidence. And his primary goal is to get his tackle numbers up sooner rather than later.
Styles has only seven tackles through two weeks. The Ohio State product believes this is unacceptable, and he plans to do something about it. And don't be surprised if the first-year pro increases his production in this key area considerably against the Seahawks.
Marcus Mariota gains 40+ rushing yards
With Jayden Daniels now week-to-week with his dislocated elbow, veteran backup Marcus Mariota is being tasked with keeping the Commanders afloat. It won't be easy against the vaunted Seahawks defense, but he has to make the best of it.
The weather might make it difficult to throw the football. Mariota is a little older and a little slower than he was earlier in his career, but he is still mobile enough to gain valuable yards on the ground. And the Oregon product might not have much of a choice.
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