How Washington Football Team can clinch the NFC East next week

Incredibly, the Washington Football Team can clinch the NFC East next week.

Just a month ago, if you told anyone in the world that the Washington Football Team would have an NFC East clinching scenario in Week 16 and a Week 15 loss, they probably would’ve given you a strange look. They may have even laughed in your face.

But incredibly, the Washington Football Team has turned this season around, and they are positioned to clinch the NFC East in Week 16 if things break right for them. Granted, Washington doesn’t entirely control their own destiny, but this is still a massive step for them in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

Here’s exactly how Washington’s clinching scenario breaks down.

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Washington Football Team’s NFC East clinching scenario

Washington lost to the Seahawks 20-15 in Week 15, and as a result of that loss, they weren’t guaranteed to be in sole possession of first place anymore. Sitting at 6-8 with the 5-8 New York Giants, and owners of the tiebreaker against them, on their tails, they would need the Cleveland Browns to help them on Sunday Night Football to be alone in atop the division.

That’s exactly what happened. Baker Mayfield and the Browns put up 20 points on the Colt McCoy-led Giants and only allowed six. The Giants fell to 5-9 as a result of the loss, they have put Washington in position to clinch the NFC East next week.

So, here’s how that can happen. It’s simple. All Washington has to do is win their game at home against the Carolina Panthers and see the Giants lose on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. On paper, that certainly seems doable. In practice, Washington fans will first be focused on beating the Panthers, but one eye will certainly be on the Giants.

The Panthers figure to be a good opponent for Washington to match up against. They will be able to get a lot of pressure on Teddy Bridgewater, who has been sacked seven times in his last two games, and though the Panthers offense played well against the Packers, they have been weak against the run this year. So, if Antonio Gibson returns, Washington should have a chance to do well in that contest.

As for the Giants’ matchup against the Ravens, that looks like a tough game for New York. The Ravens have posted 40+ points in back-to-back games and have fared well against sputtering offenses in recent weeks. Even if Daniel Jones gets back on the field, the Giants may have trouble playing against a tough defense that is fighting hard to make the playoffs.

Washington fans know well not to take anything for granted, but no matter what happens, this team earning a clinching scenario is a huge step in the right direction for a once directionless franchise. Ron Rivera has done a good job in this rebuild to develop talent on both sides of the ball and instill a hard-working culture of togetherness and accountability.

Now, the team will fight for their right to represent the NFC East in the playoffs. Whether it’s via a win and a Giants loss next week, back-to-back wins, or any other scenario, Washington will have one thing on their mind this week.

That’s getting revenge for Rivera as he takes on his former team with a chance to get one step closer to a division title with a win.