The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (2-0) travel to Washington to face a Commanders team (0-2) that just lost its franchise quarterback again.

Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow late in Sunday's 37-20 loss to Dallas, the same elbow he injured against Seattle last season, and Marcus Mariota will start in his place.

Seattle has its own quarterback question, with Sam Darnold nursing a glute injury that has kept him out since Week 1, though he returned to practice this week and could reclaim the job from Drew Lock.

Washington enters its home opener already 0-2 with two divisional losses, a hole that rarely allows playoff recovery, while Seattle looks to stay unbeaten behind one of the league's more balanced rosters.

Seahawks vs. Commanders Odds

Seahawks: -7

Commanders: +7

Over: 40.5

Under: 40.5

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Seahawks vs. Commanders Key Injuries

Washington's biggest blow is at quarterback. Jayden Daniels is doubtful to play after his elbow injury, with no fracture but no clear return timetable, forcing Marcus Mariota into his first start of the season. The Commanders are also dealing with Frankie Luvu, Brandon Coleman, Javon Kinlaw, Sam Cosmi, Chig Okonkwo and Nick Cross all listed as questionable.

Seattle's situation at quarterback remains fluid. Darnold, sidelined since Week 1 with what the team has called a soft-tissue glute injury, practiced Wednesday and has “a chance” to start, per head coach Mike Macdonald, but Drew Lock has performed well in relief and remains the presumptive starter unless Darnold is cleared for a full workload. Running back Zach Charbonnet remains out following surgery, and Ty Okada, Anthony Bradford, Brandon Pili and Jadarian Price are questionable.

Seahawks vs. Commanders Betting Trends

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The numbers strongly favor Seattle. Washington is 3-7 without Jayden Daniels over the past three seasons, and the Commanders have covered as an underdog in only 39% of games in comparable spots historically. Seattle has covered as a favorite in 81% of similar matchups.

Seattle is 1-0-1 against the spread this season and 1-0 ATS on the road, while Washington sits at 1-1 ATS. The under has hit in both Seahawks games this year, while the over has hit in both Commanders games, a split trend that makes the total a genuine coin flip at 40.5.

Keys to Seahawks vs. Commanders Matchup

This game likely hinges on how Washington's offense functions with Mariota replacing Daniels' dual-threat production. Daniels' mobility has been central to Washington's scheme, and Mariota, while experienced, does not offer the same rushing dimension that stresses a defense the way Daniels does. Seattle's defense, fresh off a 31-7 road win over Arizona in Week 2, should be positioned to load up against the run and force Mariota into obvious passing situations.

On the other side, Seattle's answer at quarterback matters just as much. If Darnold is fully healthy, his arm talent gives Seattle a higher offensive ceiling; if Lock starts again, Seattle's continuity from two wins should still be enough given Washington's compromised state. Either way, Seattle's ability to establish balance early should keep Washington's defense on its heels for four quarters.

Seahawks vs. Commanders Prediction and Pick

Washington's 0-2 start was concerning enough before Daniels went down again, and asking Mariota to steady a struggling offense against a defense that just held Arizona and New England to 17 combined points is a tall order. Seattle's quarterback uncertainty is real, but the Seahawks have won regardless of who's under center, and Washington's own trend data against the spread without its starter is damning.

Seattle's superior roster, momentum and defensive front should be enough to control the game from start to finish, even on the road.

Take the Seahawks to win and cover.

Prediction: Seahawks 27, Commanders 16.