5 bold Washington Commanders predictions vs. the Steelers in Week 10
By Dean Jones
It's been another eventful few days for the Washington Commanders. Their seventh victory of the campaign against the New York Giants was swiftly followed by a bombshell trade for New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline. If anyone still had reservations about this team's ambitions, they should have crystal clear clarity now.
Momentum is building and expectations are growing. The Commanders are 7-2 in the standings with three of their next four contests on home soil before the bye week. This is a chance to solidify their status atop the NFC East and confirm postseason football along the way.
First up on this crucial stretch of games is the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is going to physical battle versus another of the league's surprise packages in 2024. Head coach Mike Tomlin always has his squad ready for battle. They are also coming off their bye week, so nothing but supreme execution will do if the Commanders want to continue their fairytale start to the campaign.
With that being said, here are five bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 10 at Northwest Stadium.
Bold Commanders predictions vs. the Steelers in Week 10
Daron Payne secures 7+ tackles
Daron Payne's come in for criticism over the last two seasons. However, the formidable defensive tackle is starting to look like his old self in the absence of long-time interior partner Jonathan Allen, who was ruled out for the year with a torn pectoral.
Payne is now the senior figure in the Washington Commanders defensive tackle room working alongside Phidarian Mathis and second-round rookie Johnny Newton. It's a responsibility he's taken seriously, coming to life in recent weeks with improved run-stopping and more explosiveness in obvious pass-rushing situations.
The former first-round pick out of Alabama will need all that and more this weekend. Russell Wilson slotted into the starting quarterback role seamlessly. He also has a dynamic backfield threat alongside him in the form of Najee Harris, who's well on course for his fourth-straight 1,000-yard rushing season since entering the league.
Washington needs Payne at the peak of his powers in this one. He hasn't secured more than four tackles in any game to date. That could change in Week 10 if he can find a way to counteract an impressive Pittsburgh Steelers interior offensive line effectively.