Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
The Los Angeles Rams have a prolific offense that can put up points quickly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is reportedly dealing with arm soreness, but he shouldn't miss the Week 9 clash at Northwest Stadium.
Stafford's ability to bamboozle opposing defenders is renowned and respected in equal measure. His no-look passes are legendary, so staying disciplined in the pressure cooker is crucial.
Jeremy Reaves cannot get bitten by Stafford. He has to keep his wits about him at all times and avoid being reckless, which can sometimes be his undoing. The Rams will have spotted that during their game-planning, and head coach Sean McVay could attack the South Alabama product to see how he holds up.
The Commanders cannot afford any frailties here. Everyone has to do their jobs, and do them well. This also goes for Reaves, who must be assured of coverage support while also making sure Stafford doesn't turn him into a Sportscenter highlight.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
There is no doubt that Josh Conerly Jr. has promise. The right tackle has made strides this season, but consistency remains his biggest stumbling block. That has to change soon, because the tests will only get tougher.
Conerly underperformed against the Philadelphia Eagles. He got called for a couple of pre-snap penalties and wasn't his typically assured self in pass protection. It's too soon to sound the alarm, but it is something to monitor.
The 2025 first-round pick needs to step things up versus the Rams. This will be even more important if All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett gets the all-clear to make his triumphant return after a spell on injured reserve.
Garrett is a rare breed. He's a defensive player who can flip the fortunes of any game on its head. Byron Young is no slouch on the other side, so if the veteran gets the green light, Conerly will have his work cut out for him.
Amik Robertson - Commanders CB
The Commanders' defense has a big Puka Nacua problem in Week 9. He's one of the league's most prolific wide receivers, and the Rams have no trouble force-feeding him the ball with Davante Adams on the shelf.
How the Commanders plan to limit Nacua's influence is anyone's guess. Trey Amos could be tasked with shadowing him, but the 2025 second-round pick has only played two games since returning from injury. That means it might have to be a shared responsibility, which is where Amik Robertson comes in.
Robertson has been a real shining light for the Commanders this season. He's brought a competitive fire that inspires everyone around him, and his coverage ability has been first-class. It's not perfect, but it's far better than his critics thought.
Even against someone with Nacua's credentials, Robertson will not back down. He won't win every rep, but he will always be in the All-Pro's face throughout the contest.
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