The Washington Commanders (2-0) and the Buffalo Bills (1-1) are one of the more exciting matchups on the NFL’s Week 3 slate.
Can the Commanders prove they are for real by beating one of the NFL’s best teams? Or will the Bills show Washington that it’s not quite ready for prime time?
Buy Commanders TicketsThe Bills are a touchdown favorite over the Commanders, which is reasonable. Washington has two wins over a pair of still-winless teams.
What gives on Sunday?
The staff at Commanders Wire gives our final predictions.
Bryan Manning
The Commanders have a chance on Sunday to change the narrative about them. If Washington upsets the Buffalo Bills, no one can say the Commanders haven’t beaten a good team.
But it’s a daunting task — but not an impossible one. The Bills are excellent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Sam Howell will face his stiffest test yet. How will he respond? I think Howell makes enough plays to win this game. Unfortunately, I believe Bills QB Josh Allen makes more plays, which proves to be the difference in a close game. Despite losing the game, Washington proves it belongs.
Bills 27, Commanders 23
Ivan Lambert
The Commanders are going for their third consecutive victory to open the season. The franchise last accomplished a 3-0 start way back in 2005. That season was also the last time the franchise was victorious in an NFL playoff game.
However, in their way stand the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are 6-point favorites for good reason. The Bills accumulated 29 first downs and 450 yards of offense last week against the Raiders.
Quarterback Josh Allen will make plays. His athleticism means he will extend plays, and he will hit receivers downfield. Will the Commanders be able to put enough pressure on Allen to force turnovers and contain him enough from making big runs?
A defensive MUST for the Commanders will be generating a pass rush that maintains rushing lane integrity. Defensive ends Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams must not rush too wide, providing Allen a huge running lane between the rushing end and defensive tackle. Josh Allen will exploit this if this rush error is committed by the Commanders.
The Bills are going to score points. So, the question becomes, will the Commanders be able to score enough themselves? Sam Howell has been sacked ten times in two games and must get rid of the ball sooner. The Commanders have the offensive weapons to score, so much will depend on the offensive line.
Commanders 24, Bills 23
Sammy Mansfield
The Commanders come into this one riding high after an improbable 18-point comeback last week against the Broncos. The team is 2-0 for the first time since 2011 but will face the first true test of the season against the Buffalo Bills today. Weather will be a massive factor as tropical storm Ophelia makes its way up the East Coast. Poor conditions will likely favor the Commanders as they look to capitalize on a turnover-prone Josh Allen and steal possessions from the Bills’ explosive offense. If the defensive line can continue to dominate up front, they should be able to keep things close till the end. I expect us to learn a lot about Sam Howell and this offense after facing two subpar opponents to start the season.
Bills 24, Commanders 21
