Can the Washington Commanders (1-3-1) pull off a significant upset for the second time in four weeks? Back in Week 3, the Commanders handed the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks their first loss. On Monday night, Washington faces the undefeated San Francisco 49ers (5-0) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The 49ers are 7.5-point favorites heading into Monday night’s NFC clash. Given how both teams are playing, it was a bit surprising that the spread wasn’t larger. However, with a healthy Jayden Daniels under center, the Commanders always have a chance.
It's time for our Week 6 staff picks and predictions.
Bryan Manning
I give Washington a much better chance of winning this game than most. In many cases, a team may quit on its coach after such a difficult week. Players don’t quit on Dan Quinn. The past week may have galvanized the Commanders, when outsiders think the opposite. That still won’t be enough to defeat the 49ers. Washington needs to play a complete game, control the ball, avoid turnovers, and get some stops on defense. Daniels needs to use his legs to open things up for Washington’s running game.
Ultimately, I trust the Commanders’ offense more than the defense. That will prove to be the difference in this game. The Commanders will move the ball and score points. Daniels will have a good game. Unfortunately, the defense doesn’t hold up, and the 49ers win.
49ers 30, Commanders 24
Ivan Lambert
The biggest issue is how the Commanders respond to last week’s fiasco game conclusion. Have they truly turned the page? Have they truly maintained full confidence in Dan Quinn, David Blough, and Jayden Daniels?
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt has re-injured the same groin that was injured in preseason and will miss Monday's game. Would the Commanders move him to IR for four weeks and swap in RB Jeremy McNichols?
WR Stefon Diggs is trending toward being available for Monday night.
Then there is the defense. They must get to 49ers QB Brock Purdy, or he will continue to be efficient, making defenses look bad. It’s an awfully tough matchup for the Commanders to need to bounce back after last week.
49ers 27, Commanders 20
Serena Burks
The Commanders are 7.5-point underdogs at San Francisco on Monday, and given how they’ve played this season, that’s not surprising. Getting Jayden Daniels back on the field last week definitely boosted the offense, but the tie has the league viewing Washington more negatively than ever. Almost every expert in the league has picked San Francisco to win, and for good reason. The Commanders have a lot to prove this week against the 5-0 49ers, and while I think they will look better than they did last week, I don’t think it will be enough.
49ers 30, Commanders 24
Ariana Pensy
The Washington Commanders are a gritty team that can compete with anyone when Jayden Daniels is at quarterback. But the 49ers are just a better team. They have a more talented running back, their quarterback is playing better, their tight end is better and the defense is playing better than Washington. Having Jacory Croskey-Merritt doesn't help the Commanders. While I believe the Commanders will put up a fight, San Francisco will still come away with the victory and remain undefeated.
49ers 30, Commanders 23
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders vs. San Francisco 49ers: Week 6 staff picks and predictions