Honestly, if you look at the history of the Kansas City Chiefs vs Washington Commanders, it feels less like a rivalry and more like a recurring nightmare for folks in D.C. It’s one of those weird NFL statistical anomalies. Since these two franchises first bumped helmets back in 1971, Washington has managed to beat Kansas City exactly one time. Once. That was in 1983. To put that in perspective, Flashdance was the hit movie that year, and the internet didn't exist.
Basically, the Chiefs have a psychological grip on this matchup that defies modern NFL parity.
The Monday Night Reality Check
Fast forward to the most recent chapter. On October 27, 2025, the Commanders rolled into GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a Monday Night Football clash that many hoped would be a changing of the guard. Washington, under the spark of Jayden Daniels, was looking to prove they finally belonged in the "elite" conversation.
The result? A 28-7 thumping by Kansas City.
It wasn't just the score. It was the way it happened. Patrick Mahomes didn't even have his "stat-padding" kind of night, but he was surgical when it mattered. He averaged nearly three seconds to throw, extending plays like he’s playing tag in a backyard. On throws taking over four seconds, he went 8-of-9 for 149 yards and three touchdowns. That is just unfair. You can't cover guys for that long.
Washington’s defense actually fought hard early. Marshon Lattimore, who they brought in to solidify that secondary, snagged a brilliant one-armed interception off Mahomes. For a second, you thought, "Hey, maybe this is the night." But the Commanders’ offense just couldn't capitalize. Between the absence of kicker Matt Gay and an inability to convert in the red zone, the momentum evaporated by halftime.
Why Andy Reid is Washington’s Kryptonite
You’ve gotta look at Andy Reid here. The man has been a thorn in Washington’s side since his days in Philadelphia. His all-time record against them is 20-11. He knows this organization's DNA, even if the name on the jersey has changed.
👉 See also: Clay High School Football: Why Friday Nights in Oregon Still Hit Different
In the 2025 matchup, Reid did something very "Andy Reid." He went for it on fourth down twice in the first half. Both converted. One led to the go-ahead touchdown. While Washington was playing to stay close, Reid was playing to bury them.
Jayden Daniels vs. The Mahomes Standard
There’s been a lot of chatter about Jayden Daniels being the "next" something. In 2024, some analysts actually ranked him ahead of Mahomes in season-end QB rankings because of his efficiency and rushing upside. And yeah, Daniels is a stud. He carried Washington to a 12-5 finish in '24 and a massive playoff upset over the Lions.
But the Kansas City Chiefs vs Washington Commanders game in 2025 showed the gap that still exists. Daniels is explosive, but Mahomes is inevitable. While Daniels was scrambling to survive, Mahomes was scrambling to create.
- Total Yards: Chiefs 432, Commanders 260.
- Time of Possession: Chiefs held the ball for 34 minutes.
- The "Rice" Factor: Rashee Rice hauled in 9 catches for 93 yards and a score, basically acting as a safety valve every time Washington tried to blitz.
The 11-1 Ghost
Let's talk about that 11-1 all-time record. It’s almost impossible to be that dominant against a single team over 50 years.
- 1971-1976: Chiefs win two close ones.
- 1983: The lone Washington win (27-12).
- 1992-Present: The Chiefs have won 10 straight games.
Whether it was the Marty Schottenheimer era, the Alex Smith years (who, ironically, played for both), or the current Mahomes dynasty, Washington just can't find the combination to the lock. Even when Washington has a better season record, like they did heading into late 2025, the Chiefs find a way to make them look like a JV squad.
What Really Happened in the 2025 Season?
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for both. Washington actually started 3-1, including a dominant win over the Raiders. But by the time they hit the Chiefs in Week 8, the wheels were wobbling. They finished the season 5-12, a massive regression from their 12-win campaign a year prior.
Kansas City, meanwhile, finished 6-11. Yes, you read that right. The team that handled Washington 28-7 actually had a losing record and missed the playoffs in the AFC West. That makes the loss even more bitter for Commanders fans. You lost by 21 points to a team that went on to lose six straight games to end their season.
💡 You might also like: Watch Seattle Seahawks Live: What Most People Get Wrong About Streaming the 2025-2026 Season
It just goes to show that in the Kansas City Chiefs vs Washington Commanders matchup, records go out the window. Kansas City could be starting a punter at QB and they’d probably still find a way to beat Washington by two scores.
Actionable Insights for the Future
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard fan looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, keep these nuances in mind:
- Watch the Scramble Drills: As long as Mahomes is under center, Washington's pass rush needs to contain, not just chase. Chasing leads to those 4-second-plus explosive plays that killed them in '25.
- The Red Zone Gap: Washington’s failure to score touchdowns off turnovers is their biggest hurdle. In their last meeting, they forced two turnovers and got zero points. You can't do that against Reid.
- Scheduling Quirks: Since they aren't in the same conference, they only meet every few years unless the 17th-game formula pairs them up.
Keep an eye on the 2026 schedule releases. If Washington wants to break the "Mahomes Hex," they'll need more than just a talented rookie QB; they'll need a defensive scheme that doesn't fall apart the moment a play breaks down.
For more specific breakdowns on how the Chiefs' roster is shifting heading into the 2026 draft, you might want to look at the current AFC West standings and cap space projections. It's going to be a wild offseason for both teams.
Next Steps:
I can pull the specific defensive snap counts from the Week 8 game to see which Commanders defenders struggled most against Rashee Rice, or we can look at the 2026 strength of schedule for Washington to see when they might get another crack at an AFC West opponent.