Two NFC teams still in the process of figuring themselves out meet this Sunday, as the Washington Football Team plays host to Jameis Winston and the New Orleans Saints. Washington is coming off of a thrilling 34-30 win over the Atlanta Falcons that came down to the final seconds. The Saints found themselves on the losing end of a close matchup, as they fell to the New York Giants 27-21 in overtime.
Both teams are now sitting at 2-2 and need this Week 5 win to keep pace in their respective divisions. Will Winston win the game with his arm while Washington's defense continues to struggle? Or will Taylor Heinicke continue to build his case that he's a legitimate starting quarterback? Before we get into breaking down this matchup, here's how you can watch on Sunday.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: FedEx Field (Landover, Maryland)
TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (click here)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Saints -2.5, O/U 43.5
Key matchups to watch
Jameis Winston vs. Washington defense
The Saints call rushing plays on 57.8 percent of their offensive snaps, which is the highest percentage in the league. They may want to change that up just a bit on Sunday. Washington has struggled to stop the pass, as they have the fourth-worst passing defense in the NFL through four weeks. This was supposed to be one of the best defenses in the NFL, but it's far from.
The Saints' offense has looked a little different from week to week, but at the heart of it, it's about Winston getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers quickly, being efficient and then peppering in some deep-ball shots once in a while. On paper, the Saints don't have one of the best passing attacks in the league. In fact, they are averaging just 144 air yards per game. That's because Winston's game isn't about going downfield every play anymore. In New Orleans, it's about controlling time of possession and efficiency. While the former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for just 613 yards per game, he's tied for fifth with eight passing touchdowns. The longer Washington's defense stays on the field, the worse -- and this Saints offense can offer you either death by a thousand cuts, or Winston can hit a 60-yard touchdown on the first play of a drive. Sean Payton should let him take some shots this week.
Terry McLaurin vs. Marshon Lattimore
It's one of the best receivers in the NFL vs. one of the best cornerbacks, and they are former Ohio State teammates! McLaurin has 354 receiving yards on the season, which ranks seventh in the NFL, and is coming off of a game where he caught six passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Washington would not have won that contest against the Falcons without McLaurin. He's been balling this season, and has an 83.9 PFF grade which ranks fifth among all receivers. As for Lattimore, his 74.8 PFF grade ranks ninth among all corners. I would imagine he and McLaurin spend the majority of the game together, and if Lattimore can contain him, then that would greatly hinder Washington's offense.
Prediction
This is truly one of the more underrated matchups of Week 5, but Washington is a bit banged up. Tight end Logan Thomas is considered week to week after suffering a hamstring injury and it looks like Pro Bowl offensive guard Brandon Scherff won't play either. Starting linebacker Jon Bostic also suffered a season-ending injury as well. This comes down to the Saints offense vs. Washington's defense and I have much more faith in the former at this point.
Pick: Saints 23-20 over Washington
