5 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Bengals in Week 3

Terry McLaurin gains 10+ receptions

Terry McLaurin is one of the Washington Commanders' most important players and an undisputed leader within the locker room. That hasn't changed despite an indifferent opening to the campaign.

McLaurin's got just eight receptions from 12 targets for 29 receiving yards through the opening fortnight. Nobody is pressing the panic button yet and the wide receiver will get more involved once Kliff Kingsbury expands the offense. He's far too good to be an innocent bystander over a full 17-game slate.

The Commanders and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will need McLaurin at the peak of his powers in Week 3 at the Cincinnati Bengals. Cam Taylor-Britt had a lot to say about Kingsbury's schematic concepts before the clash. Considering the wideout will be going up against the gifted cornerback plenty, he's got the perfect chance to shut him up.

This is the perfect opportunity for McLaurin to have a statement game. If the Commanders make him the focal point from a passing perspective, gaining 10 receptions is a bold yet attainable target for the former third-round selection out of Ohio State.

Commanders secure bombshell victory

The Commanders have no real pressure on their shoulders in Week 3. Nobody is expecting them to come away victorious at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati also needs to finally get the season on track after two straight defeats to begin the campaign.

This takes the heat off, to a certain extent. The Commanders still want to perform well and prove they're they're heading in the right direction under new head coach Dan Quinn. However, being the underdog is something that can work in their favor under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.

Quinn and his staff need to allow their players to perform with an extra sense of relaxation. Some things need to be cleaned up to stand any chance, so making a good start is crucial. The Commanders can ill afford to get into a hole early in pursuit of keeping the heat off rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. If they can accomplish this feat and remain competitive heading into the final stages, an opportunity could knock.

It would be a bombshell if the Commanders could pull off a victory. Something that would make the primetime audience sit up and realize Washington might be a force after so long in the proverbial wilderness.

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