The Washington Commanders are taking a much-needed break and recuperating during their long-awaited bye week. Nonetheless, head coach Dan Quinn and his players will keep an eye on happenings across the league.
Specifically, those aiming to secure postseason football in the NFC.
For a long time, it appeared like the Commanders would automatically qualify for the playoffs. They were leading the NFC East following an impressive start to the season under the new management. A disappointing dip eroded their lead, allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to regain control of the division.
Credit to the Commanders for demonstrating the proper determination. They overcame obstacles to win a crucial game against the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium in Week 13. Other conference results favoured them, giving them a clear lead at the seventh seed (8-5 with four games remaining).
That might decrease or increase depending on how things play out this weekend. There was also an opportunity for the Commanders to little up rather than down and achieve the desired objective.
Commanders receive an early bye week playoff boost with Packers’ defeat.
This focused attention on Thursday Night Football’s divisional matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. Both clubs lead Washington in the standings. That may not be the case for much longer.
The Lions dug deep despite a huge injury problem to defeat the Packers. They pushed Detroit, who is the No. 1 seed after a fantastic season so far, to their limits without doing enough. This puts them at 9-4 for the season, one game ahead of the Commanders.
The sixth seed has come within touching distance of Quinn’s troops. They must navigate their stretch run at the end of the campaign effectively. However, there’s no knowing what securing the No. 6 slot would mean for the team’s chances of making an impact in the knockout stages.
If the Commanders are forced to settle for the seventh seed, they will most likely face the Eagles. That is far from ideal, given Washington’s recent record at Lincoln Financial Field.
If the Commanders rise to the sixth seed, they will likely face the NFC West division leader on the road. The Seattle Seahawks are currently playing in another tough atmosphere, but it is far more winnable than travelling to Philadelphia.
Here’s who the Commanders and Packers will face for the rest of the season:
The Commanders’ remaining games in 2024 are against the New Orleans Saints (Week 15), Philadelphia Eagles (Week 16), Atlanta Falcons (Week 17), and Dallas Cowboys (Week 18).
In 2024, the Packers will face the Seattle Seahawks (Week 15), New Orleans Saints (Week 16), Minnesota Vikings (Week 17), and Chicago Bears (Week 18).
The Commanders require a one or two-game swing from these matchups. It’s unclear whether they’ll be able to obtain it.
Quinn will not be too concerned about that. He’ll be more concerned with getting the Commanders into the postseason than with the unforeseen circumstances. The best course of action for Washington is to take each game as it comes and see where it leads.
There is a long way to go. However, the Commanders received an early boost during their bye week without lifting a finger.
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