The Seattle Seahawks are heading into their Week 9 Sunday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders feeling good. They’re 5-2 and just got some rest from a bye week, making them real challengers in the NFC this year. The Commanders, on the other hand, are 3-5 and having a tough season. So, this game might turn into a battle where defense wins the day. But the player everyone’s watching is the Seahawks’ wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who’s been amazing this year.
Smith-Njigba has been on fire. Even though he missed Week 8 during Seattle’s bye, he’s still leading the whole NFL with 819 receiving yards in just seven games. He averages 117 yards a game, and his worst game was still 79 yards. That kind of steady play is huge, especially because the Commanders’ defense hasn’t been great this year.
Washington’s secondary is one of the weakest in the league. They’re 26th in stopping passes and give up 244 passing yards per game. They have trouble stopping big plays and are last in yards allowed per pass attempt. Pro Football Focus even ranks them 30th in coverage. Five different receivers have hit 100+ yards against them, including big names like CeeDee Lamb and Drake London.
The Commanders’ cornerbacks have had a rough year. Marshon Lattimore, who was supposed to be a big help, has been beat often. Mike Sainristil, their slot corner, fights hard but misses tackles and struggles physically. Plus, their key defenders are undersized, with many under 200 pounds, making it hard to cover someone like Smith-Njigba who runs sharp routes and beats defenders with quick moves.
Sam Darnold and Smith-Njigba are clicking this season. Darnold has thrown for 1,754 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions, completing over 68% of his throws. His accuracy and smart choices have earned him a top grade from Pro Football Focus. His ability to throw deep fits perfectly with Smith-Njigba’s skill at getting open down the field.
They’re especially dangerous on third downs and long-yardage plays, where Smith-Njigba is Darnold’s go-to guy. And with Cooper Kupp drawing defenders’ attention, Smith-Njigba should get some easier one-on-one chances against Washington’s weaker corners.
While Smith-Njigba is the star on offense, the Seahawks’ defense is what keeps the team strong. Coach Mike Macdonald’s defense is ranked sixth in points allowed per game, meaning they don’t let opponents score easily. If Seattle gets an early lead, their defense can clamp down and control the whole game.
The Commanders like to run the ball, but the Seahawks are really good at stopping the run. Seattle hasn’t let anyone run for more than 89 yards in a game since Week 1. If Seattle keeps Washington’s running game in check, their rookie QB Jayden Daniels will have to throw under pressure, not an easy task, especially if he’s still hurt.
Seattle’s defense also leads the league in limiting running backs’ yardage, making it super tough for Washington to run effectively. This will force the Commanders to pass more, which plays right into the Seahawks’ hands since they have a strong pass rush.
Seattle might even get some important defenders back from injury, like cornerback Devon Witherspoon and edge rusher Derick Hall, making their defense even tougher and adding more pressure on Washington’s offense.
This game looks like it could be a low-scoring battle because Seattle’s defense is strong and Washington’s offense has had trouble. But if Smith-Njigba makes the most of Washington’s weak secondary, Seattle’s offense can score early and make things easier on their defense.
Washington’s offense depends a lot on running the ball, but that’s been hard against Seattle’s defense. They’ve lost every game when they can’t rush for at least 163 yards. If Seattle keeps shutting down the run and making the Commanders pass under pressure, Seattle should have the edge.
All in all, Seattle has what it takes to control both sides of the ball in this game. If Smith-Njigba keeps playing great and Darnold keeps throwing accurately, the Seahawks should win again and stay on top in the NFC West.
Defensive duels like this one are where sharp bettors separate from the pack. At Bankroll U, our playmakers thrive on finding value in tight, low-scoring battles, where every stop, drive, and turnover can swing the spread.