The Washington Commanders (0-1) head into Monday night’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) as massive underdogs. The Bengals entered the season as a legitimate AFC contender but have lost their first two games. After an upset loss in Week 1, the Bengals lost to the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on a last-second field goal in Week 2.
The Commanders head into Monday night coming off their first win, a 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Washington did not score a touchdown but scored on all seven of its possessions. Multiple red-zone penalties almost cost the Commanders their first win.
Last week’s victory snapped a nine-game losing streak for Washington. What can it do to start a new streak with a win over the Bengals?
Here are five keys to a Commanders’ win in Week 3.