Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jahan Dotson Go Off in Week 2?
The Washington Commanders embark on their first road game of the season, going to Denver to take on the Broncos. Will Jahan Dotson go off in Week 2? Matthew MacKay shares his Commanders vs. Broncos pick.
Matt MacKay - September 17, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
7 minWashington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jahan Dotson Go Off in Week 2?
The Washington Commanders embark on their first road game of the season after second-year quarterback Sam Howell earned a win in his second career start over the Arizona Cardinals. The Denver Broncos made a splash hire with head coach Sean Payton this offseason, hoping to turn around the lackluster performances recorded during a disastrous 2022 season. Yet, the Las Vegas Raiders continued to have the Broncos number in Week 1, pulling off the road upset 17-16.
Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson will be at home for the second straight game, hoping to get their first win together against a Washington defensive front that is among the best in the league. Plus, the expected return of edge rusher Chase Young, a former No. 2 overall pick, could put pressure on Wilson early in the game. The Broncos turned to a ground-and-pound run-centric approach in Week 1, cycling between Samaje Perine, Javonte Williams, and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Oddsmakers expect a tight, low-scoring game contest at Mile High in Week 2, with the Broncos laying 3.5 points as home favorites, with a total point line at 39.5. Will Sam Howell continue to stack wins in his first road game as QB1? Or will Wilson and Payton find a way around the stout Commanders defense for their first win together?
NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here with his latest analysis, including the best bet to place in this late afternoon game between the Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Commanders vs. Broncos Start Time, Where To Watch, and Odds
- Date: Sunday, September 17
- Game Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Commanders vs. Broncos Odds
- Spread: Commanders +3.5 (-110), Broncos -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 39.5 (-114), Over 39.5 (-106)
- Moneyline Odds: Commanders (+168), Broncos (-200)
Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos Injury Report
Commanders
Probable: DE Chase Young (Neck), WR Terry McLaurin (Toe), OT Sam Cosmi (Shoulder)
Questionable: WR Curtis Samuel (Hip)
Out: N/A
Broncos
Probable: WR Jerry Jeudy (Hamstring), DT D.J. Jones (Knee)
Questionable: N/A
Out: LB Frank Clark (Hip), TE Greg Dulcich (Hamstring)
Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos Prediction
Trends are on both teams in this game. The last time these two opponents played each other came back in 2021, with the Broncos winning 17-10 at home. Now, both teams have completely different personnel, both on the field and within their coaching staffs, but the edge goes to Denver, which is 4-1 SU in its last five home games against the Commanders.
The point total line is set at 39.5, with more juice on the under, which is indicative of the battle we can expect in the trenches on Sunday afternoon. The Commanders are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against the Broncos on the road, but this time, they have OC Eric Bienemy calling plays and a quarterback with enough comparable talent, at least early on, to Robert Griffin III.
Sam Howell's mobility helps extend plays behind a mediocre offensive line, while his best wideout, Terry McLaurin, is hampered with turf toe while also getting covered by Broncos' All-Pro cornerback, Pat Surtain II. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson could have big days in the Washington backfield, while tight end Logan Thomas saw a team-high eight targets in Week 1. Second-year wideout Jahan Dotson is also due for another healthy target share, garnering 24 percent of the target volume last week, with softer coverage due to Surtain's focus on McLaurin.
Dotson caught five of seven targets for 40 yards last week, and his receiving yards prop is set to 44.5 total yards at FanDuel Sportsbook this week. Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers each recorded at least 66 receiving yards against Denver last week, so let's bet the over on Dotson's receiving yards prop, taking over 44.5 yards at -114 odds.
Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos Pick
- Pick: Jahan Dotson Over 44.5 Receiving Yards -114 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
NFL Odds
