Commanders' fairytale start tipped to end in FanSided's Week 3 predictions
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders are tipped to suffer their first loss of 2023 at home against the Buffalo Bills in FanSided's predictions.
It's been a monumentally positive start to the 2023 campaign for the Washington Commanders. However, this afternoon's clash against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field is the biggest challenge of their early efforts to date.
While the Buills looked a little disjointed in Week 1 against the New York Jets, that wasn't the case last time out. Buffalo displayed their customary efficiency and explosiveness on both sides of the football to emerge as comfortable winners over the Las Vegas Raiders, which means they'll be brimming with confidence heading into this one.
The Commanders can also take great heart from their enthralling comeback success at the Denver Broncos. To rise from the canvas and overcome a 21-3 deficit is a testament to the resolve within the locker room currently - something Ron Rivera's men will need in no uncertain terms versus a team widely tipped to go deep into the postseason once again.
Commanders tipped to lose in Week 3 vs. Bills
Washington is a heavy underdog with sportsbooks, which isn't exactly groundbreaking news. Something that's further reflected in Cody Williams from FanSided's prediction, which sees the Commanders falling to a 30-23 reverse on home soil.
"Sam Howell might just be a good quarterback, which is great news for the Commanders future. Unfortunately, the Bills are just a better team. Washington's defense won't have enough answers for Josh Allen, who seemed to quickly right the ship after a disasterclass in Week 1."
- Cody Williams, FanSided
Williams is right in one sense. The Bills look to have the better team on paper, but football is played on the gridiron and if the Commanders avoid their normally slow start, they have every chance of shocking the NFL world again.
Everything must go right for the Commanders. They cannot afford any passengers or weak links - this must be a collective pursuit of victory where everybody plays a significant role.
If the Commanders are in the game late, then it's a sign of how far they've come in such a short space of time. Washington has also taken some notable scalps throughout Rivera's three-year reign so far, which is another positive the head coach can preach to his players before kick-off.
Playing in front of another sold-out crowd should be motivational. It won't be easy, but the Commanders are riding on the crest of a wave currently and haven't endured many injuries aside from tight end Logan Thomas, who is out with a concussion following Kareem Jackson's late hit in Week 2.
In many respects, the Commanders are playing with house money here. Nobody is giving them much chance, but they didn't last weekend either and look how that turned out.
Another rollercoaster afternoon awaits. Just strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride.