Washington Commanders vs. New Orleans Saints Preview
The Washington Commanders (8-5) are set to face off against the New Orleans Saints (5-8) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasted on Fox. According to BetMGM, the Commanders are favored by 7.5 points. The team’s records against the spread show the Commanders at 8-5 and the Saints at 5-8. Historically, the Commanders lead this series 17-11, although the Saints were victorious last in their last encounter, winning 33-22 on October 10, 2021. Washington recently had a bye week following their decisive 42-19 win over the Titans on December 1, while the Saints edged out the Giants 14-11 last week.
Examining the stats, the Commanders boast a high-powered offense, ranking fifth overall, third in rushing, and fourth in scoring, although stand at eighteenth for passing. Defensively, they are ranked twelfth overall, but they struggle against the run, sitting at 27th. The Saints show slightly better statistics in offense, ranking fourteenth overall with a top-ten rushing attack, but they rank lower in passing and total scoring. On defense, they are near the bottom, taking the thirtieth spot overall, 25th against the run, and 28th against the pass.
For Washington, keep an eye on RB Brian Robinson Jr., who is essential for maintaining the team’s offensive balance. After a week off, he’s poised to contribute significantly with an average of 4.6 yards per carry and a career-high eight rushing touchdowns. His performance will be vital for rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the overall effectiveness of the offense.
On the New Orleans side, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has quickly become a key player for the Saints since signing with them, recording 12 catches for 288 yards and four touchdowns in recent games. His chemistry with the quarterback will be crucial as they look to exploit Washington’s defensive weaknesses.
A notable matchup to watch is the Saints’ running game led by Alvin Kamara, coupled with rookie Kendre Miller, facing off against the Commanders’ defensive front. With QB Derek Carr dealing with a hand injury, New Orleans may lean more on their running game under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Commanders’ poor performance against the run will be heavily tested.
In terms of injuries, the Commanders may be without CB Marshon Lattimore, who hasn’t played since being acquired due to a hamstring issue. RB Austin Ekeler and K Austin Seibert remain on injured reserve, while WR Noah Brown is expected to miss a longer duration with a significant kidney injury. For the Saints, Carr is trying to clear concussion protocol along with managing an injured non-throwing hand. Kamara faced an illness this week, and LB DeMarco Jackson missed practice with an ankle injury, while WR Bub Means has been limited in recovery from an ankle issue.
Historically, the Saints have won their last three meetings against the Commanders, who last topped New Orleans in 2015. This matchup marks Washington’s first trip back to New Orleans since 2018. A win for Washington would give them their best record through 14 games since 1992.
As for additional statistics, QB Daniels has been impressively accurate, completing nearly 70% of his passes. WR Terry McLaurin, who caught two touchdowns last week, is close to achieving his fifth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. TE Zach Ertz is also nearing a milestone, needing 65 yards to hit 8,000 career yards. On defense, LB Bobby Wagner remains a standout with 104 tackles, while LB Dante Fowler leads the team with 8.5 sacks.
If Carr is unable to play, rookie Jake Haener could be thrust into his first start. He has displayed controlled performance thus far with no interceptions through his appearances. Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler has also seen some time this season but has struggled. Meanwhile, Kamara is on track to notch his first 1,000-yard rushing season and continues to excel in receiving, leading running backs with 64 catches.
For fantasy players, keep an eye on Daniels, as New Orleans has shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks, suggesting a potential for him to excel both in running and passing.
The Washington Commanders (8-5) are set to face off against the New Orleans Saints (5-8) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasted on Fox. According to BetMGM, the Commanders are favored by 7.5 points. The team’s records against the spread show the Commanders at 8-5 and the Saints at 5-8. Historically, the Commanders lead this series 17-11, although the Saints were victorious last in their last encounter, winning 33-22 on October 10, 2021. Washington recently had a bye week following their decisive 42-19 win over the Titans on December 1, while the Saints edged out the Giants 14-11 last week.
Examining the stats, the Commanders boast a high-powered offense, ranking fifth overall, third in rushing, and fourth in scoring, although stand at eighteenth for passing. Defensively, they are ranked twelfth overall, but they struggle against the run, sitting at 27th. The Saints show slightly better statistics in offense, ranking fourteenth overall with a top-ten rushing attack, but they rank lower in passing and total scoring. On defense, they are near the bottom, taking the thirtieth spot overall, 25th against the run, and 28th against the pass.
For Washington, keep an eye on RB Brian Robinson Jr., who is essential for maintaining the team’s offensive balance. After a week off, he’s poised to contribute significantly with an average of 4.6 yards per carry and a career-high eight rushing touchdowns. His performance will be vital for rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the overall effectiveness of the offense.
On the New Orleans side, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has quickly become a key player for the Saints since signing with them, recording 12 catches for 288 yards and four touchdowns in recent games. His chemistry with the quarterback will be crucial as they look to exploit Washington’s defensive weaknesses.
A notable matchup to watch is the Saints’ running game led by Alvin Kamara, coupled with rookie Kendre Miller, facing off against the Commanders’ defensive front. With QB Derek Carr dealing with a hand injury, New Orleans may lean more on their running game under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Commanders’ poor performance against the run will be heavily tested.
In terms of injuries, the Commanders may be without CB Marshon Lattimore, who hasn’t played since being acquired due to a hamstring issue. RB Austin Ekeler and K Austin Seibert remain on injured reserve, while WR Noah Brown is expected to miss a longer duration with a significant kidney injury. For the Saints, Carr is trying to clear concussion protocol along with managing an injured non-throwing hand. Kamara faced an illness this week, and LB DeMarco Jackson missed practice with an ankle injury, while WR Bub Means has been limited in recovery from an ankle issue.
Historically, the Saints have won their last three meetings against the Commanders, who last topped New Orleans in 2015. This matchup marks Washington’s first trip back to New Orleans since 2018. A win for Washington would give them their best record through 14 games since 1992.
As for additional statistics, QB Daniels has been impressively accurate, completing nearly 70% of his passes. WR Terry McLaurin, who caught two touchdowns last week, is close to achieving his fifth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. TE Zach Ertz is also nearing a milestone, needing 65 yards to hit 8,000 career yards. On defense, LB Bobby Wagner remains a standout with 104 tackles, while LB Dante Fowler leads the team with 8.5 sacks.
If Carr is unable to play, rookie Jake Haener could be thrust into his first start. He has displayed controlled performance thus far with no interceptions through his appearances. Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler has also seen some time this season but has struggled. Meanwhile, Kamara is on track to notch his first 1,000-yard rushing season and continues to excel in receiving, leading running backs with 64 catches.
For fantasy players, keep an eye on Daniels, as New Orleans has shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks, suggesting a potential for him to excel both in running and passing.
