NFLGame PreviewsLV VS WSH Preview Week3 season 21-SEP-2025

Game Preview of Las Vegas Raiders @ Washington Commanders. Week 3 of 2025 NFL Season

LV logo

LV

1-1-0
@
21SEP25
01:00pm
WSH logo

WSH

1-1-0
Northwest Stadium

Game Preview

Las Vegas heads to Washington on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET. It’s a cross-country kick in an early window, which can test road offenses.

The Commanders’ big question sits at quarterback. Jayden Daniels is questionable with a knee sprain. Marcus Mariota is also listed questionable. Washington’s line is short-handed with RG Sam Cosmi out and LT Lucas Niang on IR, so protection could swing the game.

The Raiders lean on splash plays. Their offense has popped chunk gains through two weeks, and the coverage unit has been strong on third down. Health isn’t perfect, Brock Bowers is questionable, but the explosive pass profile stays intact.

Books show a tight but clear lean to the home side. The spread sits around Commanders -4.0 (+106) with a total of 47.0 (Over +114, Under -154). Expect field position and a few big passes to matter more than long, methodical drives.

Current Season Form

LV logo

LV

Away
Record:1-1-0
ATS:1-1-0
O/U:0-2-0
WSH logo

WSH

Home
Record:1-1-0
ATS:1-1-0
O/U:0-2-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
1-4Winner logo
ATS:1-4-0
O/U:1-4-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-09-11@ GBL 18-27L 3.5u48.5
2025-09-07vs NYGW 21-6W +6.0u45.5
2025-01-26@ PHIL 23-55L 6.0o46.5
2025-01-18@ DETW 45-31W +8.5o55.5
2025-01-12@ TBW 23-20P 3.0u51.5
2025-01-05@ DALW 23-19W +-7.0u43.5
2024-12-29vs ATLW 30-24W +3.5o46.5
2024-12-22vs PHIW 36-33L -4.0o47.0
2024-12-15@ NOW 20-19W +-7.5u44.5
2024-12-01vs TENW 42-19W +6.0o45.0

Key Insights

 

  • Raiders can hit explosives: Las Vegas owns a 24.3% explosive pass rate (plays of 15+; 100th percentile, sample 37). That stresses any defense, especially one missing pieces.

  • Money-down edge for LV: The Raiders post a 71.4% third-down stop rate (97th percentile, sample 14), which can stall a Washington offense dealing with QB and OL questions.

  • Washington protection is thin: Cosmi out and Niang on IR, while Daniels’ injury is flagged to impact sack rate allowed. That raises negative-play risk, even if Mariota starts.

  • Raiders pass rush is competent, not elite: 8.0% sack rate generated (62nd percentile, sample 50). It’s enough to capitalize if Washington’s timing slips.

  • Las Vegas plays for explosives by design: 16.7% scheme explosive rate (100th percentile, sample 30) plus 10.8% deep-pass explosive rate (94th percentile, sample 37) suggests shot plays are baked in.

  • Sustain can be an issue for LV: 33.3% long-drive efficiency (3rd percentile, small sample 3). If Washington keeps a lid on explosives, the Raiders may bog down.

 

 

Betting Insights

 

  • Spread: Commanders -4.0 (+106) home edge priced in, but QB/OL volatility for WSH is real; plus money at -4 shows market uncertainty.

  • Total: 47.0 (Over +114 / Under -154) heavy juice to the Under signals skepticism about sustained scoring, especially with Washington injuries.

  • Raiders team total 20.0 (Over -123 / Under -115): Tied to LV’s 24.3% explosive pass rate; if they land two shots, 20 is reachable.

  • Ashton Jeanty over 55.5 rush yards (-119): Washington’s front is thinner (Wise IR); modest juice for a lead back.

  • Jakobi Meyers over 63.5 receiving yards (-120): Fits LV deep/ explosive profile; one long catch can do half the work.

  • Jacory Croskey-Merritt anytime TD (-101): Near even money on Washington’s likely lead back with red-zone work.
    Note: Brock Bowers over 56.5 (-120) is a lean if active, but status is Questionable, size down or wait for inactives.

 

Final Summary

This game likely turns on protection and explosives. Washington’s offense has moving parts at QB and on the line. That creates variance. If the Commanders keep the pocket clean, they can lean on a balanced plan and finish drives.

Las Vegas brings clear big-play juice. The Raiders’ passing profile points to shot plays and quick strikes. But they haven’t shown a steady long-drive gear. If Washington limits explosives, the Raiders may settle for punts and long field goals.

Market numbers line up with that script: Commanders -4.0 (+106) and a total at 47.0 with juice toward the Under. That Under lean reflects injury risk and travel fatigue on the Raiders’ side.

Bottom line: Washington’s path is cleaner if the QB room holds up. Las Vegas needs a couple of haymakers downfield. Bet sizing should respect the uncertainty around Daniels and several Questionable tags.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: WSH Offense vs LV Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points39#2213#32WSH advantage
Total Points Per Game19.5#2413#1LV advantage
Total Touchdowns5#181#2LV advantage
Passing Touchdowns3#161#1LV advantage
Rushing Touchdowns2#160#3LV advantage
Other Touchdowns0#220#5LV advantage
Total Kicking Points7#327#30LV advantage
Total Two Point Conversions1#20#8WSH advantage
Kick Extra Points4#181#31WSH advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards391#22276#30WSH advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game196#23276#5LV advantage
Passer Rating90.8#1680.6#25WSH advantage
Passing Attempts72#946#3LV advantage
Completions43#1530#29WSH advantage
Completion Percentage59.7#2665.2#17LV advantage
Passing 1st downs21#2015#3LV advantage
Passing 1st Down %52.5#2383.3#31WSH advantage
Longest Pass34#2627#31WSH advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost0#260#26🏈
Receiving Targets69#945#30WSH advantage
Receptions43#1530#4LV advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch204#16114#2LV advantage
YAC Average4.7#163.8#6LV advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards271#860#1LV advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game136#860#29WSH advantage
Rushing Attempts51#1518#2LV advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt5.3#33.3#28WSH advantage
Rushing 1st downs14#92#1LV advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays1#200#30WSH advantage
Long Rushing42#914#30WSH advantage
Rushing Fumbles1#200#30WSH advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost0#220#8LV advantage