The Commanders are a 6.5-point underdog in this week’s game, which points towards a passing game script.
The Washington Commanders have run the 4th-most plays in the league this year, averaging a whopping 62.4 plays per game.
The weatherman calls for 3-mph wind in this game. Low wind usually means increased pass volume, increased touchdown potential, and better passing efficiency.
Opposing teams have averaged 38.4 pass attempts per game vs. the San Francisco 49ers defense this year: 5th-most in football.
Terry McLaurin has been among the best pass-catching wide receivers this year, averaging a terrific 70.0 yards per game while checking in at the 91st percentile.
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Washington Commanders as the 6th-least pass-centric offense in football (adjusted for context) right now with a 57.2% pass rate.
THE BLITZ projects the Commanders to run the 5th-least offensive plays among all teams this week with 62.0 plays, given their underlying tendencies and game dynamics.
Terry McLaurin has put up quite a few less air yards this year (91.0 per game) than he did last year (103.0 per game).
The Washington Commanders offensive line profiles as the 3rd-worst in the NFL this year in protecting the quarterback, which has a harmful effect on all passing attack statistics across the board.
The San Francisco 49ers pass defense has excelled when opposing wide receivers have gotten into space, surrendering an average of 3.79 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 6th-least in the NFL.