Bobby Wagner gains 15 tackles
Bobby Wagner isn't the most flamboyant. He's a cool, calm customer who is always focused on the matter at hand and nothing more. The veteran linebacker is also a big reason why the Washington Commanders' exceptional culture shift has taken off so quickly.
Wagner remains a tackling machine at this late stage of his career. He's on pace to secure 150 tackles throughout the campaign if he stays healthy and remains on his current trajectory. That's astonishing for someone 34 years old with 192 NFL games under his belt.
The Commanders will need Wagner at the peak of his powers in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The NFC North outfit is only averaging
104.8 yards per game on the ground. However, they have an exceptional tight end capable of generating havoc if left unattended across the middle.
Restricting Cole Kmet should be high on the Commanders' list of priorities. Stopping him at the contact point is crucial. If Wagner can accomplish this and extend his outstanding run-stopping prowess, another double-digit tackle performance in the mid-teens is a bold yet attainable prediction.
Terry McLaurin scores two touchdowns
Regardless of whether Jayden Daniels plays or not, Terry McLaurin's role will be pivotal to Washington's chances of securing a sixth win of the campaign.
The wide receiver has come to life after an indifferent opening fortnight. McLaurin is well on track for another 1,000-yard receiving season and could earn Pro Bowl honors for a second time if the same trend continues. It doesn't matter if it's Daniels or Marcus Mariota, the former third-round selection out of Ohio State must deliver.
McLaurin will have his work cut out in Week 8. The prolific veteran will be seeing plenty of Chicago's shutdown cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who's giving up just 50 percent of targets and a jaw-dropping 27.3 passer rating when targeted through the Bears' six contests to date.
This is a challenge McLaurin is sure to relish. Opportunities will be there if he can capitalize on them. Whatever edge the wideout can gain over Johnson could go a long way to improving Washington's fortunes.
If McLaurin can also get himself a couple of touchdowns, the better the Commanders' chances will be.