Commanders vs. Seahawks - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
Things don't get any easier for the Washington Commanders in Week 9, either. They are firmly at the brutal stage of their schedule, so any injured players close to returning need to strive with everything they have to get back in time for another primetime game under the lights at Northwest Stadium.
The Seattle Seahawks are quietly emerging as a possible contender in the NFC. Their comfortable win over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football puts them in second place within the NFC West, which boasts no fewer than three teams with 5-2 records through seven weeks.
Their big-money gamble to make Sam Darnold the franchise quarterback is paying off. The often-maligned signal-caller is continuing his remarkable career renaissance, which could place him in the NFL MVP conversation if he keeps up his eye-catching consistency.
Seattle's defense is creative and stifling, which isn't surprising when one considers Mike Macdonald is their head coach. This is going to be a real challenge for the Commanders, so nothing but supreme conviction and strong execution in every phase will do.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-6)
The Commanders have to make some severe adjustments. Whatever is being implemented right now just isn't working, and the thought of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba going up against Marshon Lattimore is enough to fill every fan with dread.
Commanders vs. Lions - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
If the results go this way, the last thing Dan Quinn and the Commanders want to see is the Detroit Lions coming to town. This is a rematch of the playoff divisional round last season, when Washington came away with a deserved triumph. However, the two teams are on very different paths now.
The Lions have overcome a shaky period of adjustment to look like a force again. Their impressive victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football leaves them at 5-2, one game behind the Green Bay Packers for NFC North supremacy. They will also have revenge on their mind when they visit Northwest Stadium.
Detroit's injury crisis was ruthlessly exposed by the Commanders. That will be all the bulletin board material head coach Dan Campbell needs during his game-week planning. The Lions will be eager to write a significant wrong, and Washington must be ready for the storm coming.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-7)
The Commanders' defense is a mess right now, and the Lions boast one of the league's most efficient offenses. It's unlikely Washington's under-strength defensive front will generate much pressure. Stopping the running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery looks challenging, especially with almost no consistency or dynamism coming from the second level.