The Seahawks vs Commanders matchup arrives on Sunday Night Football, bringing two teams at different stages of identity building and playoff hopes. The Seattle Seahawks continue to chase consistency in a competitive NFC race, while the Washington Commanders look to find stability at quarterback and under new leadership. When these two teams lock up, it’s more than just another game—it’s a tone-setter for the second half of the season.
With Sam Darnold leading the Washington Commanders offense and Jaden Daniels continuing to grow as the franchise’s future face, Washington will try to control the pace. Meanwhile, the Seahawks rely on explosive playmakers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, and Zach Charbonnet, along with an experienced coaching staff, to try and execute cleaner football than they’ve shown in recent weeks.
This Seahawks vs Washington Commanders showdown is part of NFL Week 9, and it has major implications for standing, confidence, and playoff outlook.
Team Overview: Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks come into this season with playoff expectations. Head coach (and Seahawks legend) works to balance an evolving offense and a young, ascending defense. While the Seahawks record has fluctuated with tough matchups, they remain in position to make a playoff push.
Key Offensive Storylines
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to expand his role. Once seen as the WR3 behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, JSN now takes on more crucial targets in third-down situations.
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Zach Charbonnet provides physicality in the run game, complementing Kenneth Walker III when healthy.
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Depth pieces like Chris Moore and Cody White (Seahawks) have stepped in at times to contribute in key coverage matchups.
Defensive Outlook
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Devon Witherspoon, one of the league’s most electric young defenders, highlights the defense with aggressive coverage and playmaking ability.
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The defensive front remains a work in progress, but Seattle’s improvement in tackling and assignment discipline will be critical.
The Seahawks schedule doesn’t allow much room for sloppy play, making this matchup a must-execute game.
Team Overview: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are working through a transition year, but their season remains full of opportunity. With new structure, new leadership direction, and key roster pieces, the franchise is laying groundwork.
The Sam Darnold Situation
Sam Darnold enters this game as the starter — a quarterback once high on potential who has seen multiple teams in his NFL journey (Sam Darnold teams include Jets, Panthers, 49ers, now Commanders*). This season is one of proving reliability and minimizing turnovers.
Fans and analysts alike watch closely to see:
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Can Darnold manage game flow?
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Can he effectively use the Commanders receiving corps?
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Can he protect the ball against Seattle’s aggressive secondary?
Jaden Daniels – The Future
While Jaden Daniels may not be starting yet, his development matters:
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He brings mobility and accuracy upside.
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Washington considers him their long-term leader.
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Expect packages or future elevation into starting reps.
Offensive Playmakers
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Tory Horton, a rising weapon with strong catch-and-run ability, may continue earning more target share.
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Jeremy McNichols offers depth versatility at running back.
Commanders Defense
Though inconsistent, the Commanders defense can generate pressure and hit hard. Gap control and communication issues must tighten—especially against Seattle’s layered passing game.
Seahawks vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats to Watch
| Player | Team | Key Stat to Monitor | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold | Commanders | Completion rate & turnovers | Controls offensive stability |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seahawks | Targets on key downs | Could exploit Commanders secondary |
| Devon Witherspoon | Seahawks | Pass breakups/tackles | May neutralize WR1/WR2 matchups |
| Tory Horton | Commanders | Yards after catch | Could spark Washington offense |
| Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks | Red zone rushing attempts | Game pace + scoring control |
| Jeremy McNichols | Commanders | 3rd-down usage | Determines balance in offense |
| Chris Moore | Seahawks | Slot usage | Quiet but crucial chain mover |
Where to Watch Seahawks vs Commanders
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Sunday Night Football Tonight
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Broadcast Channel: NBC
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Streaming Options: Peacock, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo TV
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Search terms:
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where to watch Seahawks vs Washington Commanders
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where to watch Washington Commanders vs Seahawks
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What time is Sunday Night Football?
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Sunday Night Football Time: 8:20 PM ET (5:20 PM PT)
What channel is Sunday Night Football on?
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Channel: NBC
Seahawks vs Commanders Prediction
This matchup could turn on three key factors:
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Turnovers
If Sam Darnold keeps a clean sheet, Washington stays competitive. If not, Seattle capitalizes quickly. -
Explosive Plays
JSN and Metcalf are big-play threats. The Commanders secondary cannot afford blown coverages. -
Red Zone Efficiency
The Seahawks sometimes stall inside the 20. Washington must force field goals rather than allow touchdowns.
Prediction: Seahawks 24 – Commanders 17
Seattle’s structure, defensive playmakers, and receiving depth give them the upper hand at home, though the Commanders should have competitive stretches.
Seahawks vs Commanders Betting / Odds Context (If Applicable)
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Seahawks favored slightly due to home field.
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Best prop targets:
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JSN receptions
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Charbonnet red zone carries
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Horton receiving yards (value play)
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Final Thoughts
This Seahawks vs Commanders SNF matchup isn’t just another regular-season game—it’s a story of two teams shaping their identity in the middle stretch of the season. Seattle looks to tighten execution and maintain playoff viability, while Washington evaluates its present while eyeing the future with Jaden Daniels.
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