Raiders vs. Commanders Preview (9-17-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD— Coming off the hills of a tough week two loss against the Green Bay Packers that presented the Commanders with season-ending injuries and a tough eye opener for the team, they welcome the Las Vegas Raiders to town, who also had a week two loss against division rival Los Angeles Chargers.
Betting Odds
Washington is a 3.5-point favorite to win against Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon.
Injury Report
Las Vegas
● G Jackson Powers-Johnson: Concussion (Questionable)
Washington
● QB Jayden Daniels: Knee (Questionable)
● TE John Bates: Groin (Questionable)
● WR Noah Brown: Groin (Questionable)
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How to watch the game?
Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD
Start time: 1:00 p.m.
Where can I watch: Fox
Jayden Daniels Out?
The Washington Commanders could be without their star young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, due to a Grade 1 knee sprain. Last week’s game on Thursday night, Daniels was under heavy duress throughout the game, taking countless hits outside and inside the pocket. On one play in the fourth quarter, Daniels was escaping the pocket and got tackled from behind by Packers defensive lineman Kingsley Enagbare, which caused him to be pulled down awkwardly and made his leg get caught underneath. Daniels, who didn’t participate in practice today, did have a good rehab session, said head coach Dan Quinn afterwards. They’ll look ahead to Friday and get a reasonable estimate of whether Daniels can go on Sunday.
How will the Commanders respond on Sunday?
Thursday night’s showdown left a bad taste for the Commanders players, staff, and fans. It was a performance that looked like they had put behind them and performed much better against the Raiders. With the combination of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez, Washington must get the running game going. Terry McLaurin needs to have a big game and get it going. The defense must communicate better this week and force turnovers.
Players to watch
● Las Vegas Max Crosby: Mad Max is a force to be reckoned with. He’s explosive out of his stance, a powerful edge rusher, and quick with his moves attacking the quarterback. He doesn’t just rush the passer but defends the run well and has a relentless motor that doesn’t stop for 48 minutes.
● Washington Terry McLaurin: McLaurin is a player to watch weekly for opposing defenses. He’s the second most important player for this Washington offense. Against the Giants, McLaurin was quiet, being held to two catches for 27 yards. It could’ve been at least three, except for a call that didn’t go his way in the game. But, even so, the Commanders still won comfortably. Expect Kliff Kingsbury to dial up some early targets for McLaurin in Thursday’s game. With the dynamic ability of the offense, look for him to be moved around a lot to generate some earlier looks. I like McLaurin against this Green Bay secondary.
History vs. Las Vegas Raiders
I. This will be the 15th meeting between the two historic franchises, and the Raiders are leading 8-7, including a victory in Super Bowl 17.
II. Washington beat Las Vegas in 2021 in a close 17-15 affair.
III. The Raiders last defeated the Commanders on the road in 2005.
Final Take
Both teams are looking to get back on track with a victory. Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith wants to erase a horrible showing from Monday night that saw him throw three interceptions. I expect him to continue to be aggressive when attacking the Commanders’ secondary. Still, I expect the running game to be more involved, especially after Pete Carroll stated that after the Monday night game, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty needed more touches. Washington will need to continue to play run strong, but it also requires its secondary to disrupt the passing lanes. Offensively, the line must protect either Daniels if he can play or veteran Marcus Mariota. Mariota is a dynamic quarterback who can use his legs to extend plays and cause defense problems. Veteran receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel will be looked to take advantage of a young Raiders’ secondary.
