5 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Saints in Week 15
By Dean Jones
Luke McCaffrey gains 6+ receptions
Noah Brown's unfortunate injury means others need to step up and provide adequate support to Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Signing K.J. Osborn could help, but that might not be immediately.
There are concerns about Washington's strength in the wideout room. Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus have flashed briefly but nothing more. The one with more intrigue is third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey, who's demonstrated promise despite the Commanders taking things slowly with the wideout.
McCaffrey's had a lot of reps without the targets to show for it. This is all part of the learning curve, but offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury might have to put more on the former Rice star's plate to see how he fares.
This is a calculated risk by the Commanders. McCaffrey's developed encouraging chemistry with Jayden Daniels. He can get open consistently. His 80 percent catch success rate suggests a level of dependability — albeit from limited involvement.
If the Commanders give McCaffrey a vote of confidence with additional targets, gaining six receptions or more is well within his capabilities.
Commanders move into the sixth seed
Most pessimistic Washington Commanders fans are already nervously looking over their shoulders after the Los Angeles Rams secured a shocking upset over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. However, it's also worth looking further up the NFC playoff standings.
The Green Bay Packers occupy the sixth seed. Washington is one game back after Matt LaFleur's men lost to the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. They also happen to make a testing trip to the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, who've been in red-hot form of late and currently sit atop the NFC West.
Dan Quinn has pleaded with his team to focus on what they can control and take things one game at a time. Worrying about anything else is not an option. But if they can get the job done at the New Orleans Saints, one could forgive them for keeping a close eye on developments at Lumen Field on the Sunday night primetime stage.
This is a best-case scenario for the Commanders. At the same time, it could be a realistic one if they remain professional and the Seahawks do them a huge favor.
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