Commanders vs. Bengals prediction, odds, picks for NFL Week 3

It's a matchup between two former starting quarterbacks for LSU football when the Washington Commanders come to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. The Commanders are 1-1 while the Bengals are winless in two weeks. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Commanders-Bengals prediction and pick.

The Commanders won their first game of the season 21-18 against the New York Giants. Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson led the way, with Daniels posting 226 passing yards and Robinson posting 133 rushing yards. Daniels also posted 44 yards on the ground. It was a significant win for the Commanders, but they scored their 21 points on a record seven field goals. The Commanders will need to improve their offense to remain competitive in the future.

The Bengals thought they had a blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. However, a defensive pass interference penalty negated a turnover and allowed Harrison Butker to make the game-winning field goal. Joe Burrow improved slightly from Week 1, rushing for 258 yards with two touchdowns. Mike Gesicki was his primary target, posting 91 receiving yards. He'll need more from his other weapons to secure that first win.

Here are the NFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

NFL Odds: Commanders Bengals Odds

Washington Commanders: +7.5 (-115)

Money line: +290

Cincinnati Bengals: -7.5 (-105)

Money line: -360

Over: 46.5 (-120)

Under: 46.5 (-102)

How to watch Commanders vs. Bengals

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT

TV: ABC

Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial)

Why the Commanders could cover/win the spread

Jayden Daniels hasn't thrown for a lot of yards this season, but he's been efficient and capable of playing winning football. Daniels has 132 rushing yards this season, which is second only to Lamar Jackson in the entire league. There could be worse company than the reigning MVP, and Daniels could be the next Jackson if he continues down this path. Daniels is more than just a mobile quarterback, as he also has a 72.2% completion percentage.

Why the Bengals could cover/win the spread

Joe Burrow and his guns have had a rough start to the year. A matchup with the Commanders could be just what they need to get back on track, as Washington has allowed six passing touchdowns in their first two games. Cincinnati is throwing on 65% of its plays and Burrow will keep the ball in the air in this matchup. The Commanders will have to keep an eye on Ja'Marr Chase, who hasn't had a great start but should be highly motivated after his costly penalty against the Chiefs was a factor in their loss.

If Burrow and his weapons can't do that, the Commanders haven't been much better against the rush, allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game at 126.

Final Commanders Bengals Prediction and Pick

The Bengals are 0-2 to start the season, which isn't surprising after several years of slow starts. Joe Burrow is under the most pressure as rumors circulate that his wrist injury is more serious than he's letting on.

The Bengals offense should wake up in this game as the Commanders are allowing 27.5 points per game. The Commanders will also look to keep the game on the ground, which will be the Bengals' downfall as they have allowed the seventh most rushing yards in their first two games. They have also been one of the worst teams at defending running quarterbacks. You can expect a lot of points in this game.

Final Commanders Bengals Prediction and Pick: Over 46.5 (-120)