Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Chris Paul is seemingly safe for another week. The left guard wasn't great again in Week 8, but he did just enough not to become a glaring weak link, which was always the primary objective for a player struggling to find the consistency he needs.
The Washington Commanders still believe Paul can return to his 2025 form. That hasn't happened yet, and another daunting test awaits the 2022 seventh-round pick out of Tulsa this weekend.
Paul will be locking horns with Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald. While he is not the dominant, game-wrecking force of old after coming back from a two-year retirement, he still has the tools to cause untold problems if the Commanders aren't ready.
With Sam Cosmi on the right-hand side, the Rams will likely put Donald on the left, where he could potentially get more joy. Paul has to keep him in check, and he will need a ton of help to do it.
Tim Settle Jr. - Commanders DL
Just when Washington's injury problems seemed to be easing slightly, Dan Quinn took a double blow in the defensive trenches. Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw were both placed on season-ending injured reserve, leaving a gaping hole that those lower down the depth chart must fill effectively.
This places even more onus on Tim Settle Jr. to come through.
Settle rejoined the Commanders this offseason. He didn't have a full summer of work due to injury, and his early-season performances reflected that. Washington began splitting his reps with Shy Tuttle, who's enjoying a career renaissance when hope was fading.
There will be no more splitting reps. With Payne and Kinlaw out, Settle and Tuttle will have to pick up the slack, and facing the Rams' high-octane offense is a stern measuring stick.
The Rams are running the ball more efficiently with Blake Corum and Kyren Williams. Matthew Stafford can carve open any defense with enough time in the pocket, so Settle is under immense pressure to do his part.
Chig Okonkwo - Commanders TE
The Commanders don't have Terry McLaurin to depend on in the passing game. While the wide receiver trio of Stefon Diggs, Treylon Burks, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams performed well against the Philadelphia Eagles, this will be a much tougher challenge.
This makes tight end Chig Okonkwo's role in Week 9 extremely important.
Okonkwo has started to find his groove after a slow start to the campaign. The free-agent signing looks healthy now, and he is making a bigger impression. His numbers are improving, and a stunning catch against the Eagles showcased just how much dynamism he brings to the table.
Washington needs to keep the Rams' offense off the field. They do that by controlling the clock and moving the chains gradually. Okonkwo can get open across the middle and threaten after the catch. That could counter the YAC threat Puka Nacua poses on the opposite side of the field.
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