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Without Jayden Daniels, Commanders Try to Cool Off Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have caught fire — and the Washington Commanders might be walking straight into the flames on Monday Night Football. Kansas City (4-3) has strung together back-to-back wins to climb within one game of the AFC West lead, while Washington (3-4) is spiraling after two straight losses and will be without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Kickoff is set for Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have dominated recent meetings and enter as double-digit favorites.
For live odds and market updates, visit the NFL Scores and Odds.
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Commanders Face Uphill Battle Without Daniels
With Jayden Daniels sidelined due to a hamstring strain, Marcus Mariota will get his third start of the season. Mariota stepped in during last week’s 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but the Commanders’ offense sputtered, producing only 63 passing yards after Daniels exited.
Head coach Dan Quinn is counting on the return of receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, who practiced in full Thursday after missing multiple games. Washington will need them to open up the field for running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has rushed for 377 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Defensively, Washington’s struggles have been glaring. They rank 27th in total defense (364.3 yards per game) and near the bottom of the league in takeaways (three). “Our focus needs to be sharper,” Quinn said. “We have to find a way to stop giving up big plays.”
Making matters worse, the Commanders’ defensive line has been decimated. Star edge rusher Dorance Armstrong (knee) joined Deatrich Wise (quadriceps) and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (pectoral) on injured reserve this week.
To monitor roster health and matchup updates, check the NFL Teams page.
Chiefs’ Offense Back to Form
The Chiefs are finally playing like contenders again. After scoring just 38 total points in the season’s first two weeks, Kansas City has topped 28 points in each of its past four games, including a 31-0 shutout over the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday.
Patrick Mahomes looks fully in sync, throwing for 1,131 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception over his last four starts. Rookie receiver Rashee Rice, returning from suspension, wasted no time making an impact with two touchdowns against Las Vegas.
“He came out feeling good,” said Andy Reid. “Now he gets another week of practice under his belt.”
The Chiefs’ defense has been just as dominant, ranking fifth in total yards allowed (280.3 per game) and holding Las Vegas to only 95 total yards and three first downs last week. Linebacker Nick Bolton and corner Trent McDuffie have anchored a unit that looks postseason-ready.
For advanced metrics, player splits, and betting analysis, visit the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Injury Reports
Washington Commanders
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels (QB) | Out | Hamstring |
| Dorance Armstrong (DE) | Out | Knee |
| Deatrich Wise Jr. (DE) | Out | Quad |
| Javontae Jean-Baptiste (DE) | Out | Pectoral |
| Terry McLaurin (WR) | Questionable | Quadriceps |
| Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR) | Questionable | Heel |
| Sam Cosmi (G) | Questionable | Back |
| Austin Ekeler (RB) | Out | Achilles |
Kansas City Chiefs
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Kareem Hunt (RB) | Questionable | Knee/Ankle |
| Trey Smith (G) | Questionable | Back |
| Josh Simmons (OT) | Questionable | Personal |
| Omarr Norman-Lott (DT) | Out | Knee (IR) |
| Deon Bush (S) | Out | Achilles |
| Jawaan Taylor (OT) | Questionable | Shoulder |
For full injury updates and official statuses, see the NFL Scores and Odds Injury Report.
Betting Insights and Trends
The line opened with Kansas City as a 10.5-point favorite, and early action continues to back Mahomes and company at home. Washington has failed to cover in consecutive weeks, while Kansas City has been a model of consistency against the spread.
- Kansas City is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games as a favorite.
- Kansas City is 3-0 ATS at home this season.
- Washington is 8-1 ATS as a favorite in its last nine, but that trend doesn’t apply this week.
- Washington is 1-3 ATS on the road in 2025.
- The over has hit in 6 of Washington’s last 8 games.
Track line movements and over/under trends live on the NFL Scores and Odds.
Matchup Breakdown
Without Jayden Daniels, Washington’s offensive ceiling drops considerably. Marcus Mariota’s mobility offers some upside, but his passing limitations and the Commanders’ thin defense make this matchup lopsided on paper.
The Chiefs’ defense should feast on Washington’s battered offensive line, while Mahomes continues dissecting defenses at will. Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce present mismatches against Washington’s 25th-ranked secondary, and Kansas City’s red-zone efficiency should sustain drives.
If Washington hopes to keep this close, it must win time of possession, force at least two turnovers, and find explosive plays from McLaurin or Samuel. That’s a tall order inside Arrowhead.
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Prediction
The Commanders are running out of bodies — and answers — while the Chiefs are rounding into midseason form. Expect Kansas City to dominate both sides of the ball, extending its win streak to three and covering comfortably.
Projected Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 31, Washington Commanders 17
Best Bets: Chiefs -10.5 | Over 47.5
For game previews, matchup stats, and verified NFL picks from top handicappers, visit the NFL Picks.
