How To Watch: Commanders vs. Chiefs (10-26-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WJLA
KANSAS CITY, MO—The Washington Commanders travel to Arrowhead to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, the Commanders (3-4) will be without star quarterback Jayden Daniels after he sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter of last week’s loss against Dallas.
The Chiefs (4-3) are coming off a dominant 31-0 shutout against their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders. Kansas City has had back-to-back impressive showings, defeating the Lions the week before. Now, with the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice last week, they are getting back to full health and look dangerous.
Washington will be gaining reinforcements on the offensive side in the returns of receivers Terry McLaurin (who has been out since week three with a quad injury) and Deebo Samuel (who missed last week’s contest with a heel issue). McLaurin and Samuel will serve as security blankets for veteran backup Marcus Mariota, who can help him stretch the field and open up the run game that has struggled over the past two weeks.
Betting Odds
Kansas City is a heavy favorite entering the primetime showdown, favored by 11.5 points to defeat Washington. The total points that are being predicted to be scored are 47.5.
Injury Report
Kansas
● G Trey Smith: Back (Doubtful)
● T Josh Simmons: Personal (Out)
Washington
● DT Daron Payne: Toe (Questionable)
● K Matt Guy: Back (Questionable)
● TE Colson Yankoff: Hamstring (Out)
● QB Jayden Daniels: Hamstring (Out)
How to watch the game?
Location: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Start time: 8:15 p.m.
Where can I watch: ABC / ESPN
Washington needs this game to be a turning point
Washington’s season is on the line, with this demanding schedule approaching from late October through November. This is not me being dramatic because the upcoming games go as follows….
● Week 8: At. Chiefs
● Week 9: Vs. Seahawks
● Week 10: Vs. Lions
● Week 11: At. Dolphins
● Week 12: Bye Week
● Week 13: Vs. Broncos
With the way the Commanders have been playing this entire season, the most winnable game during that stretch is week 11 against the struggling Miami Dolphins. We are at a point in the season where this team is the team we’ve seen—up and down. Head coach Dan Quinn was clearly frustrated with last week’s game results and discussed the possible changes and challenges heading into this week’s game. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has said there will be personnel and scheme changes, mentioning that he’ll look to continue increasing linebacker Jordan Magee’s role. He also said he’d like to get rookie linebacker Kain Medrano more involved. It’s also likelyJohnny Newton could gain more snaps due to the injuries sustained on the defensive line.
Much attention will be paid to how the defense handles the scrutiny from the media and fans, especially against an elite and fast offense like Kansas City. Whitt Jr. wants his defense to play with more speed, and well, Kansas City is the perfect test.
Scary Terry Returns
It’s been four weeks since the Commanders have had their No. 1 star wide receiver. Even though the Washington defense has managed pretty well in his absence, coming in 9th in points per game (25.7), he’s been missed. He has big-play ability down the field, and for 50-50 balls, McLaurin’s sole presence on the field helps draw double teams and free up other receivers. Hopefully, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury draws up plays to get McLaurin the ball early.
Players to watch
● Kansas City Patrick Mahomes: Yes, it’s cliché to put Mahomes. I could’ve named receivers Rice or Xavier Worthy. I could’ve mentioned Isiah Pacheco and even Chris Jones. Mahomes is still a top-three quarterback in the league who can sit back and make any throw from within the pocket, under pressure, on the run, and improvised. Another thing this season, Mahomes has done well is extend plays with his feet and move the chains.
● Washington Bobby Wagner: Veteran leadership is needed in a game of this magnitude against a foe that has dominated the league for years. Wagner has been called out by fans a lot for his slower play in coverage and, even at times, in the run defense. Still, Wagner cleans up, plays well in the backfield and second level, and is a tackling machine. The future Hall of Famer needs to rally the defense together.
History vs. Kansas City Chiefs
I. The Chiefs have dominated the all-time head-to-head series against the Commanders leading 10-1.
II. Washington’s last victory against Kansas City came in 1983, in a 27-12 finish.
III. If the Commanders win Monday night it’ll be their first-ever victory at Kansas City.
Final Take
The Commanders need to win this game, if they want to begin this tough part of their 2025 schedule on a positive note. The NFC has nine teams that are over .500 and it’ll be pretty tough sledding moving forward with a loss. It starts with consistent play on both sides of the ball, Quinn and his staff have preached that, and look to find their identity, enough talk let’s see what it looks like on the field.
