Are Commanders facing must-win game vs. Seahawks?

In this story:
The Washington Commanders are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, which has them at 3-5 to start the season.
Going into their Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, a win is super important not just for the mathematics and chances of making the playoffs, but for the overall morale of the team.
“Every win is hard to get, but it's some truth to that. Like I said, we've been four and six before and made it to the playoffs. That's when back when it was 16 games and you won the last six games and went deep into the playoffs," Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said.
"You gotta get the first win then start stacking them. And there's no time like now to get it, but the thing that's positive for me is the guys are working and there's nobody in the building dropping their head. There's nobody, the guys are doing the same meetings or extra meetings and we're trying to be creative in the way that we're approaching it. So, the process is right, now we gotta go get the results done.”
READ MORE: Commanders' 3-5 start has them looking at a major trade deadline plan

Commanders can turn season around with win vs. Seahawks
A win against the first-place Seahawks won't be easy, but it will go a long way if they can pull it off. The Commanders are losing their grip on the NFC East lead, which is currently occupied by the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are on bye this week, giving the Commanders a chance to gain 0.5 game in the divisional standings. More importantly, a win would give the Commanders some confidence before going into a big Week 10 showdown against the Detroit Lions, whom they beat in the Divisional Round back in January.
It's almost a must-win for the Commanders, because a loss here and next week to the Lions would put them at 3-7, which could be a nail in the coffin for the team.
READ MORE: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' return has one big question mark
Stick with CommandersGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.
More Washington Commanders News
• Commanders reveal Week 9 plan for quarterback Jayden Daniels
• Commanders are working on a new plan to add to their pass rush
• Washington Commanders' injury woes just went from bad to worse
• Commanders’ Terry McLaurin reacts to his touchdown scored against Chiefs

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Follow @JeremyBrener