The Commanders traveled to Cincinnati to play the final game of Week 3. With a win, Washington could retain control of the NFC East.
Washington entered this Week 3 game with a 1-1 record and, with the only NFC East division win of the season, in first place ahead of the Eagles and Cowboys, who had both also started the season 1-1.
Despite being 0-2, the Bengals were favored at home against Washington. This was partly due to Washington’s unimpressive 3-point win at home against the Giants in Week 2, but also for several reasons that had nothing to do with Washington and everything to do with Cincinnati.