The Kansas City Chiefs held off a sluggish Washington Commanders in a 21-7 victory on Monday Night Football GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025, putting a firm stamp on their playoff push. With just over a minute left in the game, the Commanders were backed up at their own 18-yard line on second and eight—still trailing by 14—when the Chiefs’ defense stiffened, sealing what had become a methodical, defense-driven win. It wasn’t flashy. But for a team that had stumbled out of the gate this season, it was exactly the kind of gritty performance they needed.
Defensive Dominance Defines the Night
The Chiefs’ defense, which had allowed just 124 points through seven games—the fewest in the AFC West—turned the game into a grind. They held the Commanders to seven points through three quarters, forced three punts in the first half, and didn’t allow a single touchdown after the opening drive. That’s not a fluke. That’s a system. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit had been quietly building momentum since the 31-0 shutout of the Raiders two weeks prior. Against Washington, they turned rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels into a shell of himself, sacking him twice and limiting him to 128 passing yards. The Commanders’ offense, which had averaged 25.7 points per game entering the matchup, looked lost.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Keep the Engine Running
While the defense stole the headlines, the Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce connection remained the quiet heartbeat of the Chiefs. Mahomes didn’t need to throw for 400 yards—he threw for 218, with two touchdowns, and managed the clock like a veteran pilot. Kelce, at 35, caught six passes for 74 yards and one score, continuing his remarkable season despite whispers that he might be slowing down. The truth? He’s just getting smarter. His route-running in the red zone late in the second quarter—faking a slant, then breaking outside—left two defenders stumbling into each other. That’s not athleticism. That’s artistry.
Commanders’ Struggles Deepen
For Washington, this loss stings. At 3-4, they’re now firmly in the middle of the NFC East pack, with the Eagles and Cowboys ahead and the Giants slipping behind. Their road record? A dismal 1-3. Their offensive line, once a strength, has been shredded by injuries. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. managed just 41 yards on 13 carries. And Daniels, despite his electric potential, looked overwhelmed by the noise, the speed, and the pressure. The Commanders’ coaching staff admitted after the game they “didn’t have answers” for Kansas City’s blitz packages. “We knew they’d bring heat,” said head coach Dan Quinn. “We just didn’t execute well enough to counter it.”
Divisional Implications and the Road Ahead
The win moves the Chiefs to 4-3, still trailing the Denver Broncos (6-2) and Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) in the AFC West—but now with momentum. With a home win over the Commanders and a road win over the Raiders, they’ve won two straight after losing three of four. The AFC is a mess. The Bills, Chiefs, and Chargers are all within one game of each other. And the Chiefs’ next two games? A road trip to Highmark Stadium to face their AFC archrivals, the Buffalo Bills, in Week 9, followed by a Thanksgiving showdown with the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Those aren’t just games. They’re statement opportunities.
How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Details
The game aired nationally on ABC and ESPN as part of Monday Night Football, drawing a primetime audience of over 18 million viewers. For cord-cutters, Paramount+ offered a live stream with no blackouts, while YouTube TV’s Sports Plus package gave fans access to the full slate of NFL broadcasts. The Chiefs’ official website and the Commanders’ site both provided radio stream links and local broadcast affiliates for fans unable to access national feeds.
What This Means for the Playoffs
The Chiefs aren’t just chasing a division title—they’re chasing history. No team has won four consecutive AFC Championship games since the Patriots’ dynasty in the 2000s. If they can get past the Bills and Cowboys in the next two weeks, they’ll enter November with a 6-3 record and serious momentum. But the schedule doesn’t get easier. The Chargers come to Arrowhead in Week 11. The Raiders, despite their 2-5 record, are dangerous on the road. And don’t forget: Mahomes is playing through a lingering ankle injury. The Chiefs aren’t invincible. But they’re dangerous. And they know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Chiefs’ defense manage to shut down the Commanders’ offense?
The Chiefs’ defense relied on aggressive blitz packages and disciplined zone coverage, forcing Washington’s rookie QB Jayden Daniels into hurried throws. They held the Commanders to just 7 points through three quarters and limited them to 282 total yards. The front seven generated consistent pressure without needing to blitz excessively, which allowed the secondary to stay tight on receivers.
Why is this game critical for the Chiefs’ AFC Championship hopes?
Winning this game gave the Chiefs their second straight victory after a shaky start, keeping them within one game of the top of the AFC West. With the Bills and Chargers both ahead, every divisional win matters. A fourth straight AFC title requires beating the top teams—and this win over a playoff-contending Commanders team proves they can still dominate under pressure.
What’s next for the Washington Commanders after this loss?
The Commanders face the New York Giants in Week 9, followed by a home game against the Carolina Panthers. They need to win at least three of their next four to stay in the NFC East race. But with injuries piling up on the offensive line and inconsistent quarterback play, their window to contend is narrowing. Their defense, which had been solid, gave up 21 points and struggled to generate turnovers.
Can Patrick Mahomes still carry the Chiefs if he’s injured?
Mahomes is playing through a sprained ankle, but his decision-making and mobility—though reduced—are still elite. The Chiefs’ offensive line has improved since Week 3, and Travis Kelce’s chemistry with Mahomes remains unmatched. If the defense continues to play like it did against Washington, Mahomes doesn’t need to be perfect—he just needs to be smart. And right now, he’s the smartest player on the field.
Why is the Chiefs’ defense considered the best in the AFC West?
Through seven games, the Chiefs allowed only 124 total points—fewest in the division—while the Chargers gave up 173 and the Broncos 151. Their pass rush led the AFC with 22 sacks, and they forced 11 turnovers. Unlike other teams that rely on star players, the Chiefs’ defense is a coordinated unit where every player knows their role. That’s why they’ve held four of their last five opponents under 20 points.
Where can fans stream future Chiefs games?
All Chiefs games broadcast on ABC, ESPN, CBS, or NBC are available via Paramount+, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. The Week 9 game against the Bills will air on CBS, while the Thanksgiving matchup with the Cowboys will be on NBC. Subscribers to Paramount+ can stream every NFL game without blackouts, making it the most reliable option for out-of-market fans.