Commanders and Raiders Face Off in Week 3 NFL Clash
The Washington Commanders and the Las Vegas Raiders are set to collide in Week 3 of the NFL season, and the matchup comes with plenty of storylines that fans are keeping an eye on. Both teams enter this game sitting at 1-1, which means whoever comes out on top will take an early step forward in what’s shaping up to be a tight season.
The Raiders began the Pete Carroll era with some optimism, notching a Week 1 victory against the New England Patriots. But reality hit fast in Week 2, when they were shut down by the Los Angeles Chargers in a 20-9 defeat. For the Commanders, the start looked just as promising after a 21-6 win over the New York Giants. That early momentum didn’t last, though, as they fell 27-18 to the Green Bay Packers the following week. In other words, both squads are searching for consistency and hoping this matchup provides it.
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The biggest headline entering this contest is the absence of Washington’s young quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Daniels is dealing with a knee sprain and has been ruled out, making this the first game he will miss in his short NFL career. His replacement is none other than Marcus Mariota, who once wore the silver and black as a Raider. That twist adds an extra layer of intrigue, as Mariota now faces his former team while trying to keep Washington on track.
Experts across the league are divided, though most lean slightly in Washington’s favor. CBS analyst Pete Prisco predicted a close Commanders win, pointing out that the Raiders are traveling on a short week and have struggled offensively. Meanwhile, a panel of ESPN voices was split, with some backing Washington’s depth and others trusting the Raiders to bounce back. Overall, the numbers show a clear tilt: sixteen experts chose the Commanders, while only seven went with the Raiders.
The oddsmakers also suggest this won’t be a blowout. NFL.com analysts offered scores that all landed within a single-possession margin, with most seeing Washington winning by just a field goal or less. That reflects the uncertainty surrounding how Mariota will perform stepping in for Daniels, and whether the Raiders can recover quickly after their Monday night struggles.
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at 1 p.m. Eastern, with FOX carrying the broadcast and NFL+ offering streaming. Both teams know this early-season contest matters, not just in the standings but for setting the tone. Washington will be tested without its rookie quarterback, and Las Vegas is still searching for rhythm under a new head coach. One team will rise above .500 and build momentum, while the other will be left trying to regroup heading into Week 4.
It’s the kind of matchup where every play could swing the outcome, and both fan bases will be locked in from the first snap.
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