Fresh off the news that they are welcome to move back to Washington DC as part of the RFK Stadium projection, the Commanders welcome the Raiders to their current home in Landover, Maryland. It’s been a long week of prep for the Commanders after dropping their Week 2 game to the Packers last Thursday. They should have plenty of rest and prep for Geno Smith and the gang for the 1pm EST kickoff on Sunday.
The news of the impending move wasn’t the only news for Washington this week. They also got some front page headlines when they announced that starting quarterback and top 5-MVP candidate, Jayden Daniels would not be available this week. Instead, they’ll rely on Marcus Mariota under center and see if he has some magic left in his arm.
Looking to bring some pressure to Mariota will be a Raiders defense that has already racked up six sacks on the short season. However, they’ve had their own issues under center this year. In the two games they’ve played, Geno Smith has already thrown four picks. That fact them without a touchdown in a 20-9 loss against the Chargers. He’ll have to button things up to give them a chance to make it to 2-1.
College Football Week 4 Best Bets: Upset Parlay
Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders Preview and Predictions
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Anytime Touchdown (+110)
With Daniels on the sideline, you have to like the number we’re seeing on “Bill” to score on Sunday. As previously reported, Austin Eckler tore his achilles last week and therefore Croskey-Merritt should be the lead option back there. Plus, Mariota will likely be looking for some checkdown opportunities. The Raiders have yet to allow a touchdown to a running back this year. However, I do think that with the depleted offensive options, Croskey-Merrit is likely going to have to looks to get it done, which makes it one of my favorite Raiders-Commanders prediction.
Las Vegas Raiders +2.5 (+100)
This number is likely to drop like a fly – much like most of the Washington backfield. The Raiders had already been pretty stingy on defense, holding a potent Chargers offense to just 20 points last week. Now they face a team who had their best two weapons disappear in the blink of an eye. Regardless as to whether or not Geno Smith is the answer in Las Vegas, he should have enough fire power to keep this close or even win outright.
