LANDOVER, Md. — The Washington Commanders (0-2) return to Northwest Stadium for their 2026 home opener on Sunday, September 27, hosting the undefeated Seattle Seahawks (2-0) in a critical early-season matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Fox, with Joe Davis (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst), and Pam Oliver (sideline) on the call. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Commanders enter as 7.5-point home underdogs, with the over/under set at 40.5, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Daniels Sidelined, Mariota to Start
The biggest storyline surrounds Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who will miss his first game of the season due to an elbow injury. Daniels had shown flashes of dual-threat brilliance in Week 2 against Dallas, using his legs to extend drives and keep the offense afloat. In his absence, veteran Marcus Mariota takes the reins. Mariota relieved Daniels in the second half last week and operated coordinator David Blough’s system efficiently, but he faces a much stiffer test against a Seahawks defense that has surrendered just 17 points per game through two weeks.
Seahawks Seek 3-0 Start Behind Darnold
Seattle, meanwhile, is riding high behind the steady play of quarterback Sam Darnold, who returns as the starter after a brief injury scare. Darnold will look to exploit a Commanders secondary that was torched by Dak Prescott and the Cowboys for 37 points last Sunday. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Washington’s defense has allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL this season, a troubling trend against a Seattle offense featuring dynamic receivers and a balanced rushing attack.
Injury Report: Key Absences for Washington
The Commanders’ injury report, released Friday, lists several starters as out or doubtful. Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi is among those expected to miss the game, further complicating protection for Mariota. Other notable injuries include cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring) and linebacker Jamin Davis (knee), both questionable. Seattle’s report is cleaner, with only depth players listed. For the full official injury report, visit the team’s PR Twitter account.
How to Watch and Listen
TV: Fox (check local listings)
Radio: Big 100 (iHeart Radio) — Bram Weinstein (play-by-play), London Fletcher (analyst), Logan Paulsen (sideline). Spanish broadcast on Moisés Linares and Juan Romero.
Streaming: NFL+, fuboTV, YouTube NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds: Seahawks -375, Commanders +300; spread Washington +7.5, O/U 40.5
Prediction and Analysis
Vulius Sports analysts Scott Jennings and Scott Bair both project a Seahawks victory. Jennings predicts a 23-10 Seattle win, while Bair foresees a 28-20 final. The Commanders’ offense will need Mariota to manage the game and avoid turnovers, while the defense must find a way to slow Darnold and Co. Without Daniels, Washington’s margin for error is razor-thin. For die-hard fans, this game is a measuring stick for the team’s resilience. As always, shop official Commanders and Seahawks gear at Vulius.com to support your squad in style.
Looking Ahead
Following this matchup, Washington travels to London to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, while Seattle hosts the Arizona Cardinals. The Commanders will hope to get Daniels back soon, but for now, they must rally around Mariota and avoid an 0-3 start.
Looking to represent Jayden Daniels? Grab your Jayden Daniels jersey or design a personalized NFL Jersey at Vulius.
