Matchups, predictions for a pair of NFL games featuring Eagles rivals in Week 3

Commanders offense versus Bills defense

This Commanders’ offense isn't exactly looking as expected, but to be fair, there wasn’t much to expect. Ahead of the season, their best plan was to start a very raw quarterback, Sam Howell. Here's what we didn't expect. Howell has thrown us a curveball. He might actually be pretty good. 

Many believed Howell lacked a high ceiling, but the Commanders needed 4th-quarter game-winning drives in both of their first two games. Howell has answered the call, and the Commanders own a 2-0 record. 

Howell’s been using the tools in his arsenal. Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienamy is laying the groundwork as his new OC. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been very efficient on the ground and through the air as part of the attack.

Howell is spreading the ball around. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas all have somewhere between six and eight receptions.

Washington's offense has been efficient enough to beat both the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately for the Commanders (but fortunately for Eagles fans), the Bills defense is better than both the Cardinals and the Broncos.

The Bills have allowed only 26 first downs. That ranks them second in the NFL in that category. They have only allowed 529 yards. That's the 5th best tally. That’s not bad.

Buffalo is also healthy too. Sure, Von Miller is still out due to injury, but everyone in their defensive backfield is present and accounted for.

Last week, Buffalo held the Raiders' best player (and top-ten wide receiver) Davante Adams to six catches and 84 yards receiving. The Bills also held Las Vegas' running backs to just 55 yards. That included a Josh Jacobs nine-carry, -2-yard performance. They could be fun to watch.

Prediction: Commanders +6

The Bills are looking better, but we’ve seen them land here before only to produce a stinker of a game. This seems like a game where the Commanders’ defense will be able to affect Josh Allen and keep it close, while their offense does enough to stick around. Buffalo wins, but they win ugly.

Also, there is a 100% chance that Allen tries to hurdle someone and he beefs it. He’s done it in each of the first two games and there’s no reason the hilarity will stop anytime soon.