Seahawks vs. Commanders Preview (11-1-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: NFL.com
LANDOVER, MD— Sunday Night’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks will significantly impact the trajectory of the rest of the Washington Commanders’ 2025 season. Washington (3-5) hosts Seattle (5-2) at Northwest Stadium for an NFC showdown that could keep the Commanders’ postseason hopes alive or cut them short.
Washington has lost three straight, most recently falling to the Kansas City Chiefs last Monday, 28-7, at Arrowhead Stadium. A loss Sunday would push Washington to six losses on the season and a 1-5 record against NFC teams, which would not bode well for their standings as they try to capture a Wild Card spot.
Seattle, on the other hand, had a bye week in week 8 but defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 after Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s eight receptions, 123 yards, and one touchdown performance.
Betting Odds
Seattle is a 2.5-point road favorite entering Sunday’s matchup.
Injury Report
Seattle
● WR Cooper Kupp: Hamstring (Questionable)
● WR Jake Bobo: Achilles (Questionable)
● TE Eric Saubert: Calf (Questionable)
● NT Jarran Reed: Wrist (Questionable)
● S Julian Love: Hamstring (Questionable)
Washington
● DT Javon Kinlaw: Shoulder (Questionable)
● DT Jer’Zahn Newton: Ankle (Questionable)
● T Laremy Tunsil: Hamstring (Questionable
● K Matt Gay: Back (Questionable)
It was announced today that quarterback Jayden Daniels will be good to go under center Sunday night after a hamstring injury he sustained in the Cowboys game two weeks ago. Unfortunately, wide receiver Terry McLaurin will miss Sunday’s contest after aggravating his quad injury in his return on Monday against the Chiefs. Head coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that it’s not expected to be serious.
How to watch the game?
Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
Start time: 8:20 p.m.
Where can I watch: NBC / Peacock
Can the defense play a full game?
After a great showing in the first half last week, they forced Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes to throw two interceptions, under 100 passing yards, and only seven total points. Adjustments were made in the second half, and Mahomes returned to being” Mahomes”. Picking apart the zone defense, extending plays with his feet, climbing the pocket, and making moving throws. He tossed three second-half touchdowns and finished with 299 passing yards.
Washington’s defense must play a complete game this week. They do need their offense to capitalize on mistakes and score points. But the defense must generate pressure on Sam Darnold and make him uncomfortable when he has to drop back. Defending the run is number one; you can’t let Kenneth Walker or Zach Charbonnet hurt you in the early downs. Finally, pay attention to JSN. He’s the leader in receiving yards for a reason. Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, and Mike Sainristill must disrupt the air.
Linebacker Jordan Magee and safety Tyler Owens will continue to see increased reps this week after they both saw significant playing time last week. I want to see them be more comfortable in situations, trusting their instincts on plays, and playing fast.
Players to watch
● Seattle: Ernest Jones IV: Jones IV is a force in the middle for this Seattle Defense. He’s a player with a nose for the ball and is always in the lanes to clean up plays. He’s not just a great run-stopper, either. He can also line up with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Jones IV has three picks and five pass deflections on the season.
● Washington Jayden Daniels: After a brief one-week absence, No. 5 returns for Washington in the must-win game. It’s simple: When Daniels is in the lineup, the Commanders have a chance to win. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury needs to scheme up plays to get this offense going after some struggles over recent weeks. Keeping Daniels protected is key No. 1, but let’s get Daniels moving outside the pocket to cause the defense to stress more and open up big plays down the field.
History vs. Seattle Seahawks
I. This will be the 24th meeting between the two NFC franchises, with Washington leading 13-10 all-time.
II. Washington dropped the last matchup back in 2023, after former quarterback Geno Smith led a last-minute drive to set up a walk-off 43-yard Jason Meyers field goal.
III. Seattle has one of the three previous meetings in Landover.
Final Take
There are no other outcomes that Washington can have other than a victory. You have your franchise quarterback, and despite him missing McLaurin, everyone else on offense is good to go; hopefully, Tunsil as well. Running the ball effectively has to be the focus, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a talented runner who can put up big yards every week, the lanes need to open up and the designs need to be carried out efficiently. Defensively, you have to keep your foot on the gas for 48 minutes, communicate, and make stops.
