Although the Chiefs started slow and is currently sitting at third in the AFC West, Kansas City has found its groove and shut out its divisional opponent Raiders 31-0 in Week 7. They're still a contender, and they proved it by putting up 434 total yards of offense against the Raiders. Mahomes finished with a 74.3% pass completion rating for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
Washington, which is 0-5 against Kansas City on the road, has ruled Daniels out for Monday night's matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, which gives Mariota ample time to prepare for the Chiefs as the starting quarterback. On a more positive note, head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that McLaurin and Samuel are expected to practice in full and will likely suit up for Week 8. It will be McLaurin's first game since Week 3, when he exited the field with a quad injury against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The return of both McLaurin and Samuel takes some pressure off younger players such as wide receivers Luke McCaffery and Jaylin Lane, as well as running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who have stepped up in their absences. With defensive tackle Chris Jones at the helm, the Chiefs defense is quietly ranked No. 5 in the league, allowing an average of 280.3 yards per game. Kansas City held Las Vegas to just 95 total yards and 3.2 yards per play.
One of the biggest issues for Washington this season is the team's failure to start fast. The Commanders have started six of their seven games with a punt or turnover and have been outscored 53-22 in the first quarter, according to Commanders’ senior writer Zach Selby. Coming off a strong defensive game, the Chiefs have momentum -- something McLaurin and Samuel will need to offset with big plays early. Expect McLaurin and Samuel to be involved early and often to help the Commanders get that fast start they need and convert on third-down situations.
With a tough three-game stretch facing the Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, the Commanders need to focus on converting in third down situations and limiting penalties. As Washington prepares for Kansas City, let's look at how the rest of the division fared.