Commanders vs. Raiders: Pre-Game Keys, Hot Takes & Prediction for Week 3

Christian
Sep 21, 2025
3 min read

The Washington Commanders enter Week 3 with a 1–1 record and today face the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium.

After a strong opening day, Washington endured a rough night on the road in Green Bay. Perhaps the heavy veteran presence contributed to such a flat performance on a short turnaround. That Thursday Night Football defeat came at a steep cost, with season-ending injuries to Deatrich Wise (DE) and RB1 Austin Ekeler.

Also sidelined this week: starting QB Jayden Daniels (knee) and elite blocking TE Jon Bates. The offense now turns to former Raider Marcus Mariota under center.

UKHTTC Founder Christian Burt provides this quick-read pre-game blog – something to pass the time before kick-off!

Hot Take

What’s the bold prediction for Week 3?

I can see both quarterbacks running into interception trouble. While Mariota is a nice fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, he missed much of the preseason and may show some rust. With Washington’s offense stalling and leaning on a rookie RB, Mariota might be tempted to force throws to McLaurin, Ertz, and Samuel.

As for the Raiders, Geno Smith already has four INTs this season. My hot take: both QBs will cough up the ball at least twice.

History

The all-time regular season series between the Raiders (Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas) and the Commanders (Redskins/Washington Football Team) is tied at 7–7.

Washington, however, has won the most recent matchup (17–15 on Dec. 5, 2021) and the last two overall. In fact, the Commanders haven’t lost to the Raiders since 2005.

Key Matchups

Brock Bowers vs. Commanders Secondary: Green Bay TE Tucker Kraft posted six catches for 124 yards and a TD last week against a shaky Washington backfield. The Raiders will look to rookie Bowers to create similar mismatches. Safety Will Harris has been inconsistent, and DC Joe Whitt Jr. cited a lack of “eye discipline” vs. the Packers—something that must improve.
Josh Conerly Jr. vs. Maxx Crosby: Rookie tackle Conerly has allowed four sacks and 11 pressures in two games. He’ll see a heavy dose of Crosby, though the Commanders are trying to help with Andrew Wylie at RG. This remains a big concern.

Keys to Win

Dominate upfront: Payne and Kinlaw need to stuff the run against rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, who’s struggled behind a shaky O-line. With QB1 and RB1 out, Washington may need its defense to carry the load.
Pressure Geno Smith: Dorance Armstrong could also be a disruptive presence.
Contain Bowers & Meyers: Beyond Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders WR corps lacks proven firepower. Washington has the personnel to rebound from last week’s struggles.

Spotlight Players

Marshon Lattimore (CB): it is fair to say that Lattimore has not been at the peak of his powers in 2025 – and also looked shaky in 2024. Although, the flipside is that Marson has also had games where he has looked still like a near-shutdown CB. What Lattimore will we get today – I expect a much-improved version vs LV.
Matt Gay (K): Adam Peters gave Gay the most fully guaranteed money ever given to a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL history. So far, Matt has botched the job, and it is becoming a chore seeing kickers around the league hit from long-distances. If this is a tight one – the Commanders need a dependable FG kicker.

Prediction

A close one where stealer QB play is not the order of the day. The longer rest period could be an advantage for the Commanders against the Raiders in this Week 3 matchup.

The Commanders played on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, giving them a full weekend off and four extra days of rest and preparation compared to the Raiders, who played on Monday Night Football in Week 2.

Every little helps and the burgundy and gold get over the line 21-13 with Deebo Samuel recording a double-digit TD-game and Mike Sainristil ball-hawking an INT.