Things are already heating up in the 2017 NFL season, but which teams will be playing on Sunday Night Football in primetime in Week 3?
Sunday Night Football in Week 3 of the NFL season features a matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders. Both teams are coming off of important wins in Week 2 as the Raiders enter this game 2-0 and Washington comes in 1-1. Both of these teams are in a three-way tie for the top of their division.
The Raiders have been dominant over the first two weeks of the season. The Raiders defeated the Tennessee Titans, 26-16, on the road in Week 1 and crushed the New York Jets, 45-20, at home on Sunday.
Against the Jets, Derek Carr threw three touchdowns, all to receiver Michael Crabtree, and only five incomplete passes. Marshawn Lynch also got his first touchdown as a Raider, one of three rushing touchdowns for the team. This Raiders offense scores early and often and will be looking to take advantage of a Washington defense that has failed to impress so far this season.
Washington is coming off their first win of the season, a 27-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on the road. Despite the wins, Washington’s offense remained a concern as quarterback Kirk Cousins only threw for 179 yards a touchdown during the game. This the second game of the season in which Cousins only threw for a single touchdown.
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Washington lost two of their best playmakers in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in the offseason. Unsurprisingly, it appears the loss of talent has had a significant impact on Washington’s passing game. Washington might have also lost another important playmaker in tight end Jordan Reed, who had five receptions for 36 yards before leaving the game early on Sunday.
If Reed misses this game it will be difficult for Washington to keep up with Oakland’s offense.