Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the team gets set to take on the high-profile Buffalo Bills in Week 3?
Week 3 has officially arrived and even though it's not looking too promising on the weather front, FedEx Field will be packed to the rafters once again as the Washington Commanders look to take another major scalp when the Buffalo Bills come to town. Something that would put them 3-0 for the campaign and see expectations rise considerably.
Until the big kick-off this afternoon, the stories causing debate include Terry McLaurin on rising expectations, Sam Howell lauded by an upcoming rival, Jack Del Rio on a significant upcoming challenge, and how sportsbooks are projecting things will go later on today.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders vs. Bills odds for Week 3
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 6.5-point underdogs at home to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 despite winning their first two games of the campaign.
- Commanders +6.5: -118 (bet $118 to win $100)
- Bills -6.5: -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
Anyone wishing to bet Washington on the money line can get them at tempting odds of +215 (bet $100 to win $215), with Buffalo favored to build on their success against the Las Vegas Raiders last time out at -260 (bet $260 to win $100). FanDuel has set the over/under at 43.0 points, which is available at -110 (bet $110 to win $100) in both directions.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin on expectations
After so much underachievement in recent seasons, one could forgive Washington Commanders fans and players for getting a little too carried away with their 2-0 start. There is a long way to go and anything can happen, but taking things one game at a time in pursuit of achieving short and long-term goals remains the best course of action.
The Commanders are going to get a stern test of their credentials this afternoon against the Buffalo Bills, who are expected to mount another postseason challenge in 2023 despite residing in a hugely competitive division themselves. When discussing the future, veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin was eager to keep everyone's feet on the ground based on his comments via the team's website.
"I definitely think it feels really good in here to be 2-0 when you start off the season. Two wins, one on the road, one at home, you got a lot of momentum continuing from the offseason, which I feel like we've had. You still don't wanna look too far ahead. We got a really good Bills team coming in, and we're looking forward to that challenge."Terry McLaurin via Commanders.com
Washington isn't widely regarded as a potential playoff force even after their two-game winning run to begin the season. However, if they managed to pull off another major upset versus the Bills at a rowdy FedEx Field this afternoon, it's a different story.
Commanders DC Jack Del Rio's challenge
The Washington Commanders' defense has begun the campaign as many expected. The defensive front is conquering all-comers and despite some deficiencies at the second level, their defensive backs seem to be growing in stature with every passing series.
This is all well and good, but another step up in production will be essential this afternoon against the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Josh Allen has all the intangibles associated with elite-level players at the position and looking at his weapons, there are numerous threats that the Commanders must take seriously.
When discussing the Commanders' upcoming challenge, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting his defense based on his recent thoughts via Sports Illustrated.
"They are a concept-driven unit. They do a great job. They've got good people. They've been explosive, and they've done it for a long time. Ever since that big, athletic quarterback has been there, they've been tough to deal with. They've got a really good offense and that is really good team."Jack Del Rio via Sports Illustrated
Del Rio will have his men ready. But this is all about keeping the number of big plays to a minimum and putting enough pressure on Allen to trigger his customary rash decisions.
If they can do this, the Commanders have a shot.
Commanders QB Sam Howell praised
It's hard to envisage a scenario where things could be going better for Sam Howell currently. The Washington Commanders are benefitting greatly from improved consistency under center and although it's not perfect, this was always going to be a gradual process rather than miracles happening right away.
Howell's comeback triumph at the Denver Broncos in Week 2 is the clearest sign yet he's ready for the big moment. The former fifth-round selection has the complete faith of players and coaches, which would rise to exponential levels if he got the better of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.
Although Howell remains something of an unknown quality, Bills safety Jordan Poyer painted a pretty clear depiction of what he expects from the signal-caller at FedEx Field based on his comments via USA Today Sports.
"He’s really good arm strength. He can move around in the pocket, he can make plays with his legs sometimes. He’s going to throw the football."Jordan Poyer via USA Today Sports
There will be times in this game when the Commanders need Howell to conjure some magic. Going toe-to-toe with Allen is a difficult challenge, but the North Carolina product is sure to relish the opportunity in front of a crowd that will be behind him every step of the way.