Commanders vs Chiefs: Kansas City Cruises to 28–7 Victory Over Washington at Arrowhead

The Kansas City Chiefs showed once again why they’re among the NFL’s elite, cruising to a 28–7 victory over the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Despite a slow start, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs found their rhythm in the second half, pulling away from a Washington team led by its backup quarterback.

Mahomes Leads the Charge

Patrick Mahomes was steady and efficient, completing 23 of 31 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball around to his playmakers with surgical precision. Tight end Travis Kelce was his usual reliable self, hauling in seven catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Rashee Rice added another score to cap off a strong offensive showing.

The Chiefs entered halftime with just a 14–7 lead, but their second-half adjustments turned the game into a one-sided affair. Mahomes connected with rookie receiver Xavier Worthy on a 32-yard strike early in the third quarter, igniting the home crowd and deflating Washington’s defense. From there, Kansas City controlled the clock, the pace, and the field position battle.

Washington Struggles With Backup QB

The Commanders’ offense never quite found its footing with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota showed flashes of mobility but struggled against Kansas City’s relentless pass rush, led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, who combined for three sacks.

Washington’s lone touchdown came early in the second quarter on a Brian Robinson Jr. goal-line run, but the unit sputtered thereafter, managing just 189 total yards. The Chiefs’ defense held firm, forcing two turnovers and allowing zero points in the second half.

Chiefs Defense Dominates Again

Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense has become one of the league’s toughest units — and Sunday was another testament to that. Kansas City’s front seven consistently collapsed the pocket, while the secondary smothered Washington’s receivers. Cornerback Trent McDuffie added a key interception late in the third quarter, setting up the Chiefs’ final touchdown drive.

“Coach Spags has us playing fast and disciplined,” McDuffie said postgame. “We knew we could make them one-dimensional once we stopped the run.”

Arrowhead Energy and Playoff Focus

The Arrowhead crowd — loud as ever — provided the spark Kansas City needed after a somewhat flat opening half. Once the Chiefs took control, the atmosphere turned electric, echoing chants of “MVP” for Mahomes as the clock wound down.

For head coach Andy Reid, the win was business as usual. “We were a little sluggish early,” Reid said. “But I loved how we responded. That’s what championship teams do — they adjust, execute, and finish.”

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs improve to 6–2, maintaining their grip atop the AFC West standings as they prepare for a prime-time matchup next week. The Commanders, meanwhile, drop to 3–5, with questions swirling about their quarterback situation and offensive consistency.

While this may not go down as one of Kansas City’s flashiest wins, it was the kind of disciplined, well-rounded performance that defines contenders. With Mahomes in command and the defense surging, the Chiefs once again look like a team built for another deep postseason run.