5 bold predictions for Packers against Washington Football Team

3. Preston Smith will notch two sacks

Smith only has two sacks on the young season, but this matchup lines up very well for the talented edge rusher. Washington struggles to protect Taylor Heinecke on the edge and Green Bay figures to be playing with a lead for long stretches of this contest.

That’s a recipe for success for all of the Packers’ rush linebackers. Smith is the guy best positioned to take advantage of the situation. He has the burst required to get to Heinecke when he’s set in the pocket, but more importantly, Smith also has the speed to chase the Washington quarterback when he tries to get out on the edge.

The prediction here is for Smith to get one conventional sack in the pocket via a blitz while adding another by chasing Heinecke down when he tries to escape the pocket. That would give Smith his best individual day of the regular season with two quarterback sacks.

The one complicating factor here could be Washington’s stubborn determination to run the football even when they’re down by multiple scores. If that type of conservativism happens, all bets are off. Otherwise, bet on Smith to have a big day.