The Seattle Seahawks (5-2) roll into Northwest Stadium on a two-game win streak and fresh off a bye week, facing a Washington Commanders (3-5) squad desperate to halt a three-game skid on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is at 5:20 p.m. on NBC, with the Seahawks installed as 3.5-point road favorites (per FanDuel and BetMGM) and an over/under of 46.5-47 points. Seattle dons its throwback 1990s royal blue and silver uniforms, evoking the franchise’s early era, while Washington aims to leverage home-field energy in a must-win spot.
This NFC showdown carries playoff implications: A Seahawks victory keeps them atop the crowded NFC West, while a Commanders upset could breathe life into their fading postseason hopes—currently at just 8% per The Athletic’s simulator.
Injury Cloud Looms Large Over Washington
The biggest storyline? Quarterback health and receiver availability.
Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels is on track to return after missing Monday’s 28-7 loss to Kansas City with a hamstring strain. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, saying he’s “on pace” to start. Daniels, who also missed two earlier games with a knee sprain, has thrown for 1,031 yards this season but would likely be limited if active. Backup Marcus Mariota struggled in his absence, completing 21-of-30 passes for one TD and two INTs against the Chiefs.
Worse for Washington: Star wideout Terry McLaurin is OUT after re-aggravating a quad injury on a diving grab in the KC game. McLaurin, who missed four prior contests with the same issue, caught 3 passes for 54 yards and a TD before exiting. He’s played in just two full games with Washington’s top receivers healthy all season. Deebo Samuel (37 catches, 326 yards) becomes the primary target, but he’s battled a bruised heel. Tight end Zach Ertz (245 yards) and veterans like Chris Moore and Jaylin Lane round out a depleted group.
Seattle’s secondary isn’t fully healed either. Safety Julian Love suffered a setback in practice, with his status “in jeopardy” and IR possible, per coach Mike Macdonald. Rookie Nick Emmanwori or Ty Okada would step up. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is also monitored post-bye. The Seahawks’ defense ranks No. 1 in rushing yards allowed (75.7 per game) and second in EPA per rush—bad news for a Commanders run game leaning on Jacory Croskey-Merritt (402 yards).
Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Struggles
Seattle’s offense is humming under Sam Darnold (1,754 yards, 12 TD, 4 INT), who’s resurrected his career in the Pacific Northwest. Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 819 receiving yards, torching secondaries alongside a balanced run game featuring Kenneth Walker III (430 yards) and Zach Charbonnet (205). The Seahawks average 27.6 points overall and 29.8 over their last five, exploiting mismatches like Washington’s 27th-ranked total defense (30th in net yards per pass).
Washington counters with versatility if Daniels plays—his dual-threat ability could test Seattle’s swarm-style defense under Macdonald. But the Commanders have scored 21+ just six times and allowed 24+ in six games. They’ve been better at home (2-1) than on the road (1-4), but injuries have derailed a roster that entered as Super Bowl dark horses after last year’s 12-5 surge.
Bobby Wagner’s Emotional Reunion
No preview is complete without mentioning Bobby Wagner, the future Hall of Famer facing his former team for the third time (once with the Rams in 2022). The 35-year-old Commanders MLB, on a one-year deal, has 1,111 solo tackles (sixth since 1994) and intercepted Patrick Mahomes last week—making him the first to pick off both Tom Brady and Mahomes. Reunited with ex-Seahawks DC Dan Quinn, Wagner’s leadership is vital for a unit that’s regressed. His coverage grade (59.4 PFF) has dipped, but he remains a tackling machine. Wagner, a minority owner of the Seattle Storm and pursuing an MBA, calls this “big” but stresses no excuses amid injuries.
Connections abound: Quinn coached Seattle’s Legion of Boom to back-to-back Super Bowls; Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak faces his brother-in-law, Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury; and players like RT George Fant (ex-Seahawk) add familiarity.
Expert Consensus and Betting Trends
- NFL.com: All 10 experts pick Seattle, averaging an 8.1-point win (six by 10+).
- USA TODAY Panel: 5 of 6 take Seahawks -3.5.
- ESPN: Commanders 57% win probability (but assumes Daniels limited).
Seattle is 5-2 ATS; Washington 1-2 without Daniels. The under has hit in four of Seattle’s last five.
Prediction: Seahawks Pull Away Late
The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for Seattle—most injuries healed, schemes sharpened. Even if Daniels suits up at 80%, McLaurin’s absence cripples Washington’s passing game, forcing reliance on a run attack Seattle stuffs elite. Darnold dissects a vulnerable secondary, JSN feasts, and the defense forces turnovers.
Washington fights early at home, but desperation meets execution. Seahawks win and cover, extending their streak.
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Commanders 17
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