Commanders vs. Raiders — Week 3
- Date: Sunday, September 21
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Washington Commanders are back on home soil in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. This looks like a winnable contest, but taking the perennial struggler lightly is not an option these days.
Any team coached by Pete Carroll demands respect. He's an elite motivator who has the complete trust of his players. His previous credentials speak for themselves, and things are already trending up for the AFC West club.
The Raiders began their season with a comfortable win over the New England Patriots. Brock Bowers picked up where he left off, and Maxx Crosby remains a game-wrecking pass-rusher capable of overcoming anyone in his path. Ashton Jeanty is a ferocious running back who can set the tone effectively, so it's not hard to see why this could be a potential stumbling block for the Commanders if they aren't at the top of their game.
There is also the revenge element with Jeremy Chinn coming back to Northwest Stadium. He didn't get a new deal from the Commanders this spring and felt a type of way about it. The standout safety will be doing everything possible to pile misery on his old employers.
- Prediction: Win (2-1)
This will be more challenging than people think. However, the Commanders have enough to see off the Raiders if everyone meets expectations.
Commanders at Falcons — Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Channel: CBS
The Atlanta Falcons might not be among the Super Bowl contenders this season, but nobody is going to accuse them of being boring. They have a powerful offense and a less-than-stellar defense. That's always the perfect recipe for high-scoring games.
Atlanta and the Commanders were involved in a thoroughly entertaining contest late in the 2024 campaign. Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels went toe-to-toe during a pulsating clash. But as was typically the case, the LSU product came through in the clutch.
The Falcons are reeling from a dramatic opening-day defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had the chance to take it into overtime on the final play of regulation. Unfortunately, kicker Younghoe Koo fired his field goal attempt wide of the mark to condemn them to defeat.
Washington needs to dig deep on the road versus a dangerous foe. Dan Quinn's squad should be fully in their groove by this point, so they'll have nothing to fear. Their improving run defense will be tested fully by Bijan Robinson, while Marshon Lattimore gets a stern test in the form of wide receiver Drake London.
- Prediction: Win (3-1)
This is a tricky-looking fixture on the road. Even so, the Commanders have the firepower needed to cause the Falcons endless problems.