The Washington Commanders (1-1) host the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) in Week 3 NFL action from Northwest Stadium.
The Commanders are looking to get back on track after a miserable Week 2. Not only did they lose 27-18 to the Green Bay Packers, but Washington struggled on both sides of the ball. Making matters worse, several Commanders went down with injuries, with running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise being lost for the season.
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The Raiders also had a difficult Week 2, losing to the Los Angeles Chargers 20-9 on Monday night. They didn’t score a touchdown and now must travel to the East Coast on a short week.
Here are five things to know about Sunday’s Week 3 matchup between the Commanders and Raiders.
Series history
Jan 22, 1984; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball pursued by Washington Redskins safety Ken Coffey (48) and linebacker Rich Milot (57) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Redskins 38-9 and Allen was named Super Bowl MVP. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
This will be the first time that the Raiders have played the “Commanders.” However, the two franchises have met 14 times in the regular season, with the series tied at 7-7. The Raiders have the most important win, though, defeating Washington 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII. So, technically, Las Vegas holds an 8-7 edge.
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Dan Quinn and Pete Carroll
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 27: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and head coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons converse after the 27-20 Seahawks win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
You won’t find two more respected head coaches than Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn. Interestingly enough, it was Carroll who gave Quinn his first NFL defensive coordinator job, which helped him land his first head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons. Overall, Quinn worked for Carroll for three seasons, and the pair have immense respect for one another. When you hear how much players and opposing coaches love Quinn, Carroll receives similar respect from his peers and former players.
Brock Bowers will be a problem for Commanders
Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a catch against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
If not for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels last season, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had the best case for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bo Nix of the Broncos had a case, too, but Bowers shattered NFL rookie records. His 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards broke NFL rookie records for a tight end. Additionally, he broke Puka Nacua’s NFL record for most receptions by a rookie in league history. In two games this season, Bowers has 10 receptions for 141 yards. Did anyone watch what Packers tight end Tucker Craft did against Washington last week? Bowers could be in store for a huge week.
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Defending Maxx Crosby
Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) attempts to stop a pass from Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Commanders have faced a deep and talented Giants’ defensive line, followed by going against Micah Parsons and the Packers’ stout defense. Next up is Maxx Crosby. You can almost guarantee the Raiders will move Crosby around so that he matches up with rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., instead of battling Laremy Tunsil the entire game. Crosby is a game-wrecker and Washington’s offensive plan must begin with slowing him down.
Commanders look to establish home-field advantage
Aug 18, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (32) celebrates with fans in the stands after scoring a touchdown against Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
These are new times in Washington. The Commanders have had arguably the worst home-field advantage in the NFL for years. That tide began to turn last season with improvements to Northwest Stadium, including a new name and, most importantly, a better product on the field. Washington defeated the Giants 21-6 in Week 1 at home. If the Commanders can beat the Raiders on Sunday, it would be the franchise’s first back-to-back 2-0 home start since 2008-09.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs. Raiders: 5 things to know about Week 3