Commanders vs. Seahawks - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
From one primetime game to another. The Washington Commanders are back at Northwest Stadium for the visit of the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. And if Dan Quinn's men are 6-2 by this point, the place will be rocking.
The Seahawks often go under the radar, but they are a well-balanced squad capable of giving any team problems. Sam Darnold is playing well under center following his big-money move in free agency. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is rapidly becoming one of the league's most prolific wide receivers. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are a powerful running back tandem, and Cooper Kupp is another threat that must be contained.
Washington's key is putting Darnold under pressure. He's come of age over the last couple of seasons, but errors will inevitably arrive when the signal-caller is put under duress consistently.
The Commanders' defense front has emerged as a surprising strength this season. Hopes are high that they can force a mistake or two from the USC product that the secondary can capitalize on.
- Prediction: Win (7-2)
Seattle's defense is decent, but Baker Mayfield picked them apart with alarming frequency in Week 5. Jayden Daniels thrives when the lights are brightest, so he could have similar success en route to another win for the Commanders.
Commanders vs. Lions - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Detroit Lions won't be lacking in motivation when they visit Northwest Stadium in Week 10. Dan Campbell's squad will be looking to avenge their shocking playoff loss last season, when the Commanders waltzed into Ford Field and completely overwhelmed the NFC favorites to secure a stunning triumph.
Detroit was decimated by injuries then. They are healthy now, for the most part, so the task awaiting the Commanders cannot be overstated.
The Lions lost both coordinators to head coaching gigs this offseason. Some questioned whether this brain drain from a strategic standpoint would work against them, but their talent across the board is shining through. They are currently on a four-game winning run after an opening day loss, and Campbell's men look more than capable of making a strong Super Bowl push if the same trend continues.
Of all the challenging games upcoming for the Commanders, this one stands out above the rest. Anything less than supreme execution and maximum effort won't be tolerated. And if Washington can somehow pull off the win, it'll propel them into legitimate contention in the blink of an eye.
- Prediction: Loss (7-3)
The Commanders aren't without a chance; they proved that last season. At the same time, this might be a step too far.