Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks GAMEDAY Preview: NFC Wild Card Race Heats Up

The NFC playoff picture could change after today's game between the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks.

Fresh off a big win to keep playoff hopes alive, the Washington Commanders hit the road to face the Seattle Seahawks this afternoon at Lumen Field.

On the flip side, after a 37-3 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Seahawks no longer exclusively sit atop the NFC West. Seattle (5-3) has the same record as the San Francisco 49ers, who currently own the division tiebreaker.

The Commanders look to break Seattle's three-game home winning streak but will have to protect quarterback Sam Howell to do so. Howell been sacked 44 times through nine games, which is by far the most in the league. However, in the past two games since moving Tyler Larsen to center, the Commanders only allowed four sacks. 

Washington traded away their two starting edge rushers in Montez Sweat and Chase Young, and still beat the New England Patriots, 20-17 in Week 9. Howell finished with 325 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His performance was highlighted by a deep pass to Jahan Dotson who made an out-stretched grab in the end zone for a 33-yard touchdown to tie the game. 

Washington sealed their win in New England by picking off Mac Jones with 30 seconds to play.

This week, Washington will look to get after Seattle quarterback Geno Smith, who is coming off his worst game in two years as a Seahawk. Smith completed less than 50 percent of his passes for 157 yards against the Ravens' No. 1 defense. He also lost a fumble during a sack and threw another interception, his sixth in the past four games.

Sam Howell, Terry McLaurin / Geoff Burke, USA Today

Seattle's rushing attack will also be looking to bounce back. Between running backs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks had just 28 rushing yards and averaged 1.9 yards per carry on Sunday.

The Commanders sit third in the NFC East division, behind the 8-1 Eagles and the 5-3 Dallas Cowboys.

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (4-5) at Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

ODDS: Washington is a six-point underdog vs. the Seahawks.

GAME TIME: Sunday, November 12th, 2023 at 4:25 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Lumen Field - Seattle, Washington

TV/RADIO: FOX, 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Howell on young players stepping up to win in Week 9:

"We have a lot of young guys on this team and with Chase and Tez gone, some young guys had to step up and make plays and they did that today,' Howell said. "Tez and Chase are great players and they’re going to have great careers, but we still have young guys that can play football and they’re here for a reason.”