Commanders at Chiefs - Week 8
- Date: Monday, October 27
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
A second Monday Night Football game in three weeks sees the Washington Commanders make the trip to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. After an indifferent start, everything now seems to be clicking for the AFC West club.
Everyone was quick to write the Chiefs off earlier in the campaign. Things still aren't perfect for Andy Reid's squad, but a convincing victory over the Detroit Lions last time out represented a positive step forward.
The Chiefs know how to handle the regular season. It's a gradual build to ensure they are ready to fly when the playoffs arrive, and this strategy has been a recipe for success. And with quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center, they'll almost always come through in the clutch.
Couple this with wide receiver Rashee Rice returning from his six-game suspension this weekend, and the Chiefs will be a formidable obstacle to overcome. Washington must match fire with fire, which involves being physical at the line of scrimmage and winning the third-down battle on both sides of the football.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (4-4)
In previous pieces, I have consistently projected this as a massive statement win for the Commanders, with the primetime spotlight shining brightly. I don't have the same confidence now, given the current trajectory of the two clubs.
Commanders vs. Seahawks - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
A schedule loaded with no genuine routine for the Commanders continues with a home clash against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. Being back on home turf will help, but this is going to be a tricky challenge that could legitimately go either way.
The Seahawks are sitting at 4-2 through six weeks. Perhaps most concerning from the Commanders' standpoint centers on Seattle's 3-0 record on the road so far. That means they are always prepared and mentally ready for the challenge.
Head coach Dan Quinn is an experienced figure. He'll know the key to this game will be making quarterback Sam Darnold uncomfortable. When the former USC standout is flustered, he makes mistakes. Still, the Seahawks are doing a tremendous job of putting him in the best possible position to thrive after his big-money move from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
Seattle also boasts a top-15 defense, which is no surprise when one considers that Mike Macdonald is their head coach. The margin for error will be razor-thin, and the same mistakes that blighted their defeat to the Chicago Bears cannot rear their head once again.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-4)
This will be tense, physical, and highly competitive. However, it would be reassuring if the Commanders were able to secure a victory.