Previewing Commanders vs. Seahawks Week 3 matchup

Is it any wonder the Washington Commanders are a big home underdog (+7.5 points) this week?

So often it's not who you play, but when you play them. If the Commanders had played Seattle last week, they would have faced backup quarterback Drew Lock . The Commanders would have started Jayden Daniels . However, it looks like starter Sam Darnold has healed enough to return to his starting role. Commanders backup Marcus Mariota will start for the injured Jayden Daniels Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover.

Darnold practiced Thursday and Friday, and he said his goal was to be back on the field this week vs. the Washington Commanders . Darnold missed Week 2 while recovering from being hit from behind when a New England Patriots pass rusher landed on him in the season opener for both teams.

Since 1990, teams that start their NFL season at 0-3 have missed the playoffs that season 97% of the time. The Commanders are currently 0-2 and face the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks (2-0) from last season.

Can you imagine the Seahawks offensive coaches watching film this week of the Commanders' passing defense? The Commanders are the sixth-worst NFL defensive team currently surrendering 6.1 yards per offensive play. The Commanders defense is one of only three teams that hasn't forced a turnover. The Commanders' passing defense has surrendered the most receiving touchdowns thus far, coughing up seven passing touchdowns in only two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks defense has surrendered the second-lowest point total (17) in the first two weeks, and the second-lowest yards total (428) in the first two games. One must wonder what Marcus Mariota is thinking, getting his chance to play, and he has to face the Seahawks, who are allowing an NFL-best only 3.8 yards per offensive play! They have allowed only 29 first downs, tied for third-best in the NFL.

The Seattle defense has surrendered only 249 passing yards in two games, the best in the NFL. They are the only defense to have intercepted their opposing quarterbacks four times in two weeks.

And then there is Jaxon Smith-Njigba , who leads the NFL through two weeks with 277 receiving yards, 13 receiving first downs and receiving touchdowns (4). Commanders fans can't help but wonder how defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will attempt to defend against JSN.

Chances are very good that Commanders coordinators Daronte Jones and David Blough both had trouble sleeping well this week.