A game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders was always going to draw a lot of attention, particularly after the instantaneous turnaround that the latter went through last season. This year, though, has been a different story. With injuries piling up for the Commanders, they have sputtered to a 3-4 start. The Chiefs, on the other hand, seem to have finally righted their ship.
Starting the season 0-2 for the first time since Patrick Mahomes became the starter, they have gone 4-1 since, with dominant victories over the likes of the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions. When the two teams face off in a primetime Monday Night Football matchup in Week 8, neither squad is coming into the game 100%. Here is who is slated to miss the game entirely, and who will be in the starting lineups.
Inactive List for Commanders and Chiefs
Washington Commanders
- QB Jayden Daniels
- CB Noah Igbinoghene
- K Matt Gay
- LB Ale Kaho
- T Trent Scott
- T George Fant
- TE Colson Yankoff
Kansas City Chiefs
- OT Josh Simmons
- WR Jalen Royals
- TE Jared Wiley
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- OL Trey Smith
- DE Malik Herring
- CB Kristian Fulton
Starters for Commanders vs. Chiefs
Washington Commanders
Offense:
- QB Marcus Mariota
- RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- WR Terry McLaurin
- WR Deebo Samuel
- WR Chris Moore
- TE Zach Ertz
- LT Laremy Tunsil
- LG Chris Paul
- C Tyler Biadasz
- RG Sam Cosmi
- RT Josh Conerly Jr.
Defense:
- LDE Jalyn Holmes
- LDT Daron Payne
- RDT Javon Kinlaw
- RDE Preston Smith
- WLB Frankie Luvu
- MLB Bobby Wagner
- SLB Von Miller
- LCB Trey Amos
- SS Jeremy Reaves
- FS Quan Martin
- RCB Marshon Lattimore
- NB Mike Sainristil
Special teams:
- PK Matthew Wright
- P, H Tress Way
- PR Jaylin Lane
- KR Deebo Samuel
- LS Tyler Ott
The biggest problem for Washington is going to be the absence of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Last year’s Rookie of the Year, he had arguably the most outstanding rookie quarterback season in NFL history.
But this year, injuries have severely limited him, as he’s missed two full games already and was knocked out of their clash against the Dallas Cowboys last week as well. As he’s jumped in and out of the lineup, he’s ranked 23rd on PFSN’s QB Impact, light years behind his fifth-place finish last season.
Even still, not having him in the lineup is going to be a significant blow to a Commanders team that has an uphill battle against the preeminent dynasty of this era.
Kansas City Chiefs
Offense:
- QB Patrick Mahomes
- RB Isiah Pacheco
- WR Rashee Rice
- WR Xavier Worthy
- WR Hollywood Brown
- TE Travis Kelce
- LT Jaylon Moore
- LG Kingsley Suamataia
- C Creed Humphrey
- RG Mike Caliendo / Wanya Morris
- RT Jawaan Taylor
Defense:
- LDE George Karlaftis
- LDT Chris Jones
- RDT Derrick Nndai
- RDE Mike Danna
- WLB Drue Tranquill
- MLB Nick Bolton
- SLB Leo Chenal
- LCB Trent McDuffie
- SS Jaden Hicks
- FS Bryan Cook
- RCB Jaylen Watson
- NB Chamarri Conner
The special teams, a constant highlight for the team, will feature:
- PK Harrison Butker
- P, H Matt Araiza
- PR, KR Nikko Remigio
- LS James Winchester
The focus for Kansas City is undoubtedly going to be on the offense. Ranked third in the league on PFSN’s Offense Impact thanks to a monstrous turnaround as their wide receiver core has gotten back to full strength, everything seems to be firing on all cylinders.
Against backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, the team will hope to continue its recent string of impressive defensive showings, having allowed just 17 points to Detroit and shut out the Las Vegas Raiders entirely.
