The Washington Commanders delivered one of the wildest wins of the 2026 NFL season Sunday, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 33-31 in a dramatic Week 3 matchup at Northwest Stadium. The victory gave Washington its first win of the season and ended Seattle’s 12-game winning streak, which included last season’s Super Bowl championship run. (Seattle Seahawks)

For Commanders fans, this wasn’t simply a win—it was a game filled with turnovers, big plays, defensive takeaways, a fourth-quarter pick-six, and a nerve-racking final drive.

Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks Final Score

Washington Commanders 33
Seattle Seahawks 31

Seattle actually dominated several statistical categories. The Seahawks finished with 437 total yards compared with Washington’s 258 and had 28 first downs to Washington’s 17.

So how did Washington win?

Turnovers.

The Commanders forced three Seattle turnovers and committed zero themselves. Those takeaways ultimately produced 21 Washington points, which became the difference in the game. (Seattle Seahawks)

Marcus Mariota Steps Up for Washington

With Jayden Daniels unavailable, Marcus Mariota was asked to lead the Commanders offense.

He answered with an efficient performance:

• 19-of-31 passing
• 183 passing yards
• 3 touchdown passes
• 0 interceptions
• 11 rushing yards
• A critical 9-yard run on third-and-7 late in the fourth quarter

Mariota wasn’t asked to throw for 400 yards. Instead, he protected the football and made critical plays when Washington needed them most.

His touchdown passes went to Rachaad White, Treylon Burks and Terry McLaurin. (Washington Commanders)

The Biggest Mariota Play?

It came near the end of the game.

Washington needed to keep possession and drain the remaining clock. On third-and-7, Mariota kept the football and picked up nine yards, effectively sealing the victory.

That’s the type of situational play that doesn’t necessarily show up in a box score—but it can decide a football game.

Kain Medrano Changes the Game

The defining moment came in the fourth quarter.

With Washington leading 27-24, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw an interception that linebacker Kain Medrano returned 50 yards for a touchdown.

Suddenly, Washington had a 33-24 lead with just under four minutes remaining.

The Seahawks weren’t finished.

Darnold quickly responded, connecting with Cooper Kupp for a 7-yard touchdown to cut Washington’s lead to 33-31.

But the Commanders got exactly what they needed from their offense on the final possession.

Washington converted two crucial third downs and ran out the clock to secure the victory. (Seattle Sports)

The Turnover Battle Was Everything

This game is a perfect example of why turnovers can completely change an NFL game.

Seattle:

3 turnovers

Washington:

0 turnovers

And Washington converted those takeaways into 21 points.

Seattle’s first turnover came when rookie running back Jadarian Price fumbled early in the game. Washington immediately capitalized, turning the short field into a touchdown.

Later, Darnold threw two interceptions, including Medrano’s game-changing pick-six. (Seattle Seahawks)

Despite Seattle’s huge advantage in yardage, Washington’s defense repeatedly gave its offense favorable opportunities.

Terry McLaurin Comes Through

Terry McLaurin also made a major impact.

McLaurin finished with:

6 receptions
77 yards
1 touchdown

His biggest play was a 30-yard touchdown reception from Mariota that helped Washington build its lead.

McLaurin also made a critical fourth-down conversion late in the game, giving Mariota another important target when Washington needed to keep the drive alive. (Washington Commanders)

Sonny Styles Has a Breakout Performance

One of the most intriguing performances came from rookie Sonny Styles.

According to the Commanders’ official recap, Styles:

• Had an interception
• Forced a fumble
• Recorded five tackles
• Added a quarterback hit
• Defended multiple passes
• Played a role in the defensive communication that led to Medrano’s pick-six

It was the kind of all-around performance Washington envisioned when it added Styles to its defense. (Washington Commanders)

The Commanders’ defense still has areas to clean up, particularly against the pass, but its ability to create turnovers was the difference Sunday.

Washington’s Run Defense Deserves Attention

Another major positive was Washington’s performance against Seattle’s rushing attack.

The Seahawks managed only 44 rushing yards on 18 carries, averaging just 2.4 yards per attempt.

That’s particularly significant because Seattle entered the matchup with one of the better rushing attacks in the league.

Washington’s run defense provided the foundation for the defensive performance, even though Seattle eventually found considerable success through the air. (Washington Commanders)

Seattle’s Offense Was Still Dangerous

It’s important not to overlook how well Seattle moved the football.

Sam Darnold threw for:

379 yards
4 touchdowns
2 interceptions

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was outstanding, catching:

10 passes
128 yards
2 touchdowns

Smith-Njigba now has 27 catches, 405 receiving yards and six touchdowns through three games, putting together an extraordinary opening stretch to the season. (Seattle Sports)

Seattle’s offense produced plenty of explosive plays.

The problem was that three turnovers erased too much of that production.

The Fourth Quarter Was Absolute Chaos

This is where the game became a classic.

Washington led 24-17 entering the fourth quarter.

Seattle tied the game at 24-24 on another Smith-Njigba touchdown.

Washington answered with a field goal to take a 27-24 lead.

Then came Medrano’s interception return touchdown.

Washington 33, Seattle 24.

Seattle immediately responded with a touchdown to Cooper Kupp.

Washington 33, Seattle 31.

Then Washington had to get the ball back—and finish the game.

Rachaad White ripped off a 19-yard run on third-and-9, followed by Mariota’s crucial third-down scramble.

Ballgame.

What This Win Means for Washington

The Commanders entered Week 3 at 0-2, making this victory especially important.

Washington is now 1-2 and has a major confidence boost after defeating the defending Super Bowl champions.

The team still has plenty to fix. The offense produced only 258 yards, and Seattle’s passing attack exposed some weaknesses in Washington’s defense.

But the Commanders demonstrated something valuable:

They can create turnovers, protect the football and make critical plays late.

And that’s exactly what they did against Seattle.

Final Takeaway

The Washington Commanders didn’t win this game because they dominated statistically.

They won because they won the turnover battle, capitalized on Seattle’s mistakes, got big plays from their defense and executed when the game was on the line.

Seattle gained nearly 200 more yards, but Washington walked away with the only number that ultimately mattered:

COMMANDERS 33 — SEAHAWKS 31

For a team dealing with injuries and starting the season 0-2, beating the defending Super Bowl champions and ending their 12-game winning streak could become an important turning point in Washington’s 2026 season. (Seattle Seahawks)