Commanders rooting guide for Week 3 games

With Washington playing on Monday Night Football, Commanders fans can enjoy a stress free Sunday focused on rooting against the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants.

Monday Night Football features a double-header this week, and the Jets already wholloped the Patriots on Thursday night, so there are 13 games on the slate today.

COMMANDERS GAME(MNF, 8:15 kickoff) (1-1) at CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2): The Bengals look vulnerable after two losses, particularly with some key injuries. Root for Washington to keep the Bengals winless and hold onto first place in the NFC East. #raisehail

NFC EAST & DRAFT PICK WATCH Per NFL Draft Rumors , Washington owns the following picks as a result of trades:PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-1) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-0): Not only are the Eagles hated division rivals, Washington owns 3 of Philly's 2025 draft picks, including a third round pick. Root for the favored home-standing Saints to prevail. Laissez les bon temps rouler.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-2) at DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1): Despite being winless, the Ravens are slight favorites after the nation saw the Saints give Dallas a 44-19 beatdown last Sunday. Root for the Ravens.

NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1): Another loss this week could send shockwaves through the Giants organization. If the losing continues, we may need to worry about New York's draft position and solving the Daniel Jones problem, but for now, just enjoy the show. Pull for Cleveland.

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE While a playoff berth seems like a distant possibility at the moment, at this early stage of the season, it hasn't been ruled out. In this section, we'll consider the implications of game outcomes on a potential NFC wildcard race.

CHICAGO BEARS (1-1) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-2) : In almost any wildcard scenario involving an inter-conference game, the decision is to back the AFC squad. Root for the Colts.

HOUSTON TEXANS (2-0) at MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-0): AFC team over NFC team. Root for the DeMeco Ryans and CJ Stroud.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-0) at ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1): You know the drill by now. AFC over NFC. Root for the Chiefs.

(MNF, 7:30 kickoff) (0-2) at BUFFALO BILLS (2-0): AFC team over NFC team. Root for the Bills.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-1) at TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2): Washington plays Tennessee this season, but a potential wild card spot in the playoffs trumps worrying about how SoS affects next year's draft position. Root for Tennessee.

DENVER BRONCOS (0-2) at (2-0) : The Bucs look well-positioned to win the NFC South at this point, but they could end up as a Wild Card contender if the Saints don't falter. Tampa Bay owns the tie-breaker against the Commanders already, so the Bucs need to lose a lot of games. Strength of schedule is also a consideration for 2025 draft position here since the Commanders don't play Denver this season. Root for the Broncos.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) at LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1): For wildcard purposes, we usually want the NFC team to lose to the AFC; however, it's just as important that the Panthers are in No. 1 pick contention. Better to see them get it than the Giants getting it. (If you think Washington will be in contention for the #1 pick, then you'll want to go the other way here). Let's go Raiders.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-1) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-0): AFC team over NFC team. Root for the Dolphins.

DETROIT LIONS (1-1) at ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-1): Both teams are 1-1 and, at this point, it's hard to say which is more likely to end up in a wildcard race. However, Washington plays the Cardinals next week, and beating Arizona would give the Commanders the first tie-breaker. At this point, I'd say to root for the Lions, but this is very nearly a pick'em.

SF 49ers (1-1) at LA RAMS (0-2): I'm struggling to find a clear reason to back one team here, but at this point, the Rams seem less likely to be in the wildcard race than the Niners. I'm gonna say to root for the Rams, but this is very nearly a pick'em.

AFC-only games (with 2025 draft tie-breaker implications)