Chiefs Schedule: Everything You Need to Know About Week 8 MNF

As Monday Night Football returns to its traditional time slot, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium in what could be another lopsided affair in a week dominated by blowouts. With the Chiefs favored by double digits and coming off a resurgent offensive performance, here's everything you need to know about tonight's primetime matchup and how it fits into Kansas City's season trajectory.

Chiefs vs. Commanders: Game Details and Viewing Information

The Week 8 Monday Night Football showdown kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This marks the Chiefs' third consecutive home game as they look to extend their winning streak and improve their 4-3 record.

Fans can watch the game on both ESPN and ABC, with the broadcast team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman calling the action. Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will serve as sideline reporters, while the popular "ManningCast" alternative broadcast will also be available on ESPN2.

For cord-cutters, multiple streaming options are available, including ESPN+, NFL+, and services like Fubo, which offers a free trial. The game represents a return to normalcy after ESPN's split doubleheader in Week 7.

A Week of Blowouts Sets the Stage

Monday night's matchup comes at the end of a Week 8 that has been dominated by one-sided contests. Heading into the Chiefs-Commanders game, 11 of 12 games have been decided by double-digit margins, with an average margin of victory of 18.25 points—the eighth-largest for any week in NFL history.

The week saw several significant blowouts, including the Buffalo Bills' 40-9 demolition of the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers' 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The only close game was the New York Jets' dramatic 39-38 comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to CBS Sports research, the eight games decided by 18 or more points represent the most in a single week in 11 years, with the last comparable week being Week 8 of the 2014 season.

Chiefs' Offensive Resurgence

Kansas City enters Monday night's game riding a wave of offensive momentum. The Chiefs have averaged 31.5 points over their last four games while posting a 3-1 record during that stretch. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is once again playing at an MVP level, though he's been fortunate with turnovers—the team has fumbled seven times this season but recovered each one.

The return of wide receiver Rashee Rice in Week 7 provided an immediate boost to the offense. After serving a six-game suspension, Rice caught seven passes on 10 targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns in his season debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. His presence should help alleviate some of the coverage pressure on veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who has 31 receptions for 375 yards and two touchdowns this season.

The Chiefs' defense has also stepped up, allowing just 17.7 points per game entering Week 8 and holding the Raiders scoreless last week while limiting Las Vegas to just 95 yards of total offense.

Commanders Face Uphill Battle

Washington arrives in Kansas City with significant challenges. The Commanders will be without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, the NFL's reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, who is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Dan Quinn quickly ruled out the 24-year-old for Monday night's game.

In Daniels' place, 31-year-old veteran Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season. While Mariota led Washington to a 1-1 record in his first two starts, he'll face a much stiffer challenge against Kansas City's defense. The Commanders will get a boost from the return of wide receivers Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel (heel), both of whom have recovered from recent injuries.

Adding to Washington's challenges, the team ruled out kicker Matt Gay (back) just hours before kickoff and signed Matthew Wright to the practice squad, elevating him for the game. Wright has never previously worked out with the team, creating uncertainty around the kicking operation—particularly notable given the Chiefs' second-ranked fourth-down defense.

Kansas City's Season Outlook

At 4-3, the Chiefs find themselves in third place in the competitive AFC West, trailing the Denver Broncos. However, a win Monday night would give them three consecutive victories and important momentum heading into the second half of the season.

The Chiefs' remaining schedule includes key divisional matchups and a challenging November slate. After tonight's game against Washington, Kansas City faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 9—a potential playoff preview that could have significant implications for AFC seeding.

Despite some early-season inconsistencies, the Chiefs have shown their championship pedigree by avoiding costly turnovers and making timely plays on both sides of the ball. The return of Rice gives Mahomes another weapon in an offense that also features tight end Travis Kelce and a running game that could exploit Washington's recent struggles against the run.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several position battles could determine Monday night's outcome. The Chiefs will be without Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith, who suffered a back injury last week. Backup Mike Caliendo will fill in, and while he played well in Smith's absence against the Raiders, his performance last season was inconsistent, particularly in Super Bowl LIX when Philadelphia's defensive line dominated Kansas City's offensive line.

Washington's defense has struggled to stop the run over the past two weeks, allowing 119 yards to Javonte Williams and 108 yards to D'Andre Swift. The Commanders are surrendering 126 yards per game on the ground, which could provide opportunities for Kansas City's rushing attack.

On the other side, Mariota will need to manage the game effectively against a Chiefs defense that has been opportunistic. Kansas City has benefited from just two giveaways through seven games, though Mahomes has thrown some dangerous passes that could have been intercepted.

Betting Line and Expectations

The Chiefs opened as 12.5-point favorites, and that line spiked by two additional points after Daniels was ruled out. The significant spread reflects not only Washington's quarterback situation but also Kansas City's recent offensive success and home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium.

If the Chiefs cover the spread, it would cap off a historically one-sided week in the NFL, with every game decided by at least 10 points. While upsets are always possible, the combination of Kansas City's momentum and Washington's injury situation makes this a challenging spot for the Commanders.

Looking Ahead

For the Chiefs, tonight's game represents an opportunity to build momentum before facing Buffalo next week. A convincing win would give Kansas City confidence that its offense is hitting its stride at the right time, while the defense continues to play at an elite level.

Washington, meanwhile, hopes to stay competitive despite playing a backup quarterback on the road against one of the AFC's best teams. The Commanders' season isn't over with a loss, but falling to 3-5 would make their path to the playoffs significantly more difficult in a competitive NFC East division.

Conclusion

Monday Night Football closes out a Week 8 that has been defined by dominant performances and lopsided scores. The Chiefs enter as heavy favorites against a Commanders team missing its star quarterback and dealing with last-minute kicking uncertainty. With Patrick Mahomes playing at an MVP level, Rashee Rice providing a new weapon, and a defense that just posted a shutout, Kansas City appears poised to extend its winning streak.

Whether this game adds to the week's collection of blowouts or Washington finds a way to keep it competitive remains to be seen. But for Chiefs fans, the team's recent form suggests the offense has found its rhythm just as the season enters its crucial stretch run. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on Arrowhead Stadium to see if Kansas City can continue its surge up the AFC standings.