A clash of two NFC teams, each vying for crucial playoff positioning, unfolds in New Orleans this Sunday. The Washington Commanders head south to face off against the New Orleans Saints. Washington enters this matchup after a bye week, riding high from a decisive 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans, where they comfortably covered a six-point spread. Meanwhile, New Orleans narrowly defeated the New York Giants, 14-11, but fell short of covering the 5.5-point line. Historically, the Commanders lead the series against the Saints 17-11, although New Orleans claimed a 33-22 victory in their last encounter on October 10, 2021.
Pro football picks highlight the excitement of the game.
Who will emerge victorious in this pivotal matchup? Explore the Commanders vs. Saints prediction!
Commanders Seek to Strengthen Playoff Position
Washington comes into the game refreshed after their bye week and a dominant performance against Tennessee that halted a three-game losing streak. With an 8-5 record, the Commanders currently sit second in the NFC East, trailing the Philadelphia Eagles by three games. They also hold the final wild-card spot in the NFC, just one game ahead of the Los Angeles Rams. In their last game, Washington took control early, leading 21-0 by the end of the first quarter and 28-0 shortly into the second. The team maintained a comfortable lead throughout, finishing with a total offense advantage of 463 to 245 yards, and dominating time of possession 40:13 to 19:47. They also forced two turnovers while committing just one.
The Commanders rank 18th in the league for passing offense, averaging 220.7 yards per game. However, they excel in the running game, sitting third with an average of 156.9 rushing yards per contest. Washington boasts the fourth-best scoring offense, averaging 28.9 points per game, but their defense ranks 17th, allowing 22.8 points per game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has completed 252 passes out of 362 attempts for 2,819 yards, with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also contributed significantly on the ground with 590 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has been effective as well, with 203 yards and two touchdowns on 19 completions. The Commanders’ rushing attack features Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols, who have collectively established a formidable presence on the field. Notably, wide receiver Terry McLaurin leads the team with 61 receptions for 896 yards and nine touchdowns.
As for injury reports, Washington has some concerns. Wide receiver Noah Brown is likely out with a kidney issue, while defensive end Clelin Ferrell and defensive back Quan Martin have been limited in practice. Updates will be provided as the kickoff approaches.
Saints Aim to Maintain Momentum
New Orleans has found a spark under interim coach Darren Rizzi, winning three of their last four games. The Saints improved their record to 5-8 after a hard-fought win against the Giants. Currently, they rank third in the NFC South, two games behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the division lead, and trail Washington by three games for the last wild-card position. In their last game, New Orleans took an early lead and managed to hold on, with a last-minute blocked field goal sealing the victory. Despite being outgained in total offense, the Saints showcased resilience by winning the first down battle and controlling the clock.
On the offensive side, the Saints are tied for 19th in passing, averaging 212.8 yards per game, but they sit 10th in rushing with 128.7 yards per game. They rank 17th in scoring offense, averaging 22.3 points, and 14th in scoring defense, allowing 22.5 points per game. Quarterback Derek Carr has thrown for 2,145 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns against five interceptions, while also contributing on the ground. Rookie Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener have seen limited action, with Rattler passing for 571 yards and one touchdown. The Saints feature a balanced rushing attack led by Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. Key receivers include Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both of whom have made significant contributions to the offense.
In terms of injuries, the Saints face some challenges as Carr, Kamara, and linebacker D’Marco Jackson all missed practice leading up to the game. With Carr’s status uncertain, Haener is set to make his first career start, adding an element of intrigue to the matchup.
Best Bets for Washington Commanders vs. New Orleans Saints
