Three Bold Predictions vs the Rams!

The Washington Commanders welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Northwest Stadium today knowing that this is a must-win game if they are to stay in the fight.

There is little room for further slip-ups, and after the encouraging victory over Philadelphia last weekend, Dan Quinn's team needs to build some momentum and deliver another performance that gives the fanbase something to get excited about.

The Rams are a formidable opponent, particularly defensively, and the return of Myles Garrett makes this an even tougher assignment. However, I'm going to stick my neck out and make three bold predictions that could make the difference between a much-needed Washington victory and another frustrating afternoon.

Here we go!

1. Stefon Diggs delivers a two-touchdown performance

With Terry McLaurin out for the season and both Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks unavailable, there is no disguising the importance of Stefon Diggs to Washington's passing game. He is going to need to be the focal point of the passing attack, and I think we could see his biggest performance in a Commanders uniform so far.

There is also some interesting history here. Diggs has faced the Rams five times during his NFL career, recording 30 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. His previous meetings include a 123-yard performance with Minnesota in 2018 and an impressive eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown when Buffalo faced Los Angeles in September 2022. He has demonstrated that he can exploit this defence, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.

Diggs has already found the end zone five times this season, and with Washington's receiving options limited, I expect Daniels to look his way regularly. The Rams will undoubtedly be aware of the threat, but Diggs has the experience, route-running ability and hands to make life difficult for their secondary.

Prediction: Two touchdowns for Stefon Diggs.

2. Jayden Daniels outscores the Washington running backs on the ground

This is perhaps the prediction that I feel most strongly about. Jayden Daniels needs to be Washington's most effective rushing threat today, and I expect him to finish with more rushing yards than any individual Commanders running back.

The Rams have one of the league's most formidable defensive units, ranking third in defensive EPA per play, and their ability to generate pressure makes Daniels' mobility absolutely critical. Washington cannot afford to allow Garrett and the rest of that defensive front to pin their ears back and attack the pocket on every passing down.

Daniels has already demonstrated what he can do with his legs this season, recording 236 rushing yards from just 27 carries, averaging an outstanding 8.7 yards per attempt. Ten of those runs have gone for at least ten yards. Those are numbers that demonstrate just how dangerous he can be when he decides to take off.

The key today will be recognising when the pocket is collapsing, escaping the initial pressure and making the Rams pay for committing too heavily to the pass rush. His ability to extend plays will also create opportunities for Diggs and Antonio Williams downfield. Washington needs to use Daniels as both a quarterback and a genuine rushing weapon.

Prediction: Daniels leads Washington in rushing yards, comfortably outpacing the running back options.

3. NO SACKS for Myles Garrett!

Now for the boldest prediction of the three. Myles Garrett is back from injury, and his return is potentially a huge boost for the Rams. We all know what he can do, particularly after recording an incredible 23 sacks last season.

However, I'm predicting that Washington keeps him away from Jayden Daniels throughout the afternoon. Yes, Garrett has enjoyed success against the Commanders in the past, recording 3.5 sacks across three career meetings with Washington. He registered two sacks in 2020 and another 1.5 in January 2023. Interestingly, his most recent meeting with Washington, in October 2024, ended without a sack.

There are reasons to believe Washington can repeat that outcome. Garrett is returning following knee surgery and has been out since Week 1, so the Rams may manage his workload. Washington also needs to be intelligent with its protection schemes, using running backs and tight ends to provide additional help, while Daniels must be prepared to get the ball away quickly or use his mobility to escape pressure.

This is not about neutralising Garrett completely; that would be a huge ask. It is about denying him the opportunity to make the game-changing play that he has produced so consistently throughout his career.

Prediction: Myles Garrett finishes the afternoon without a sack.