3 overreactions to the Commanders miracle win over the Colts

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Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) spikes the ball after a game-tying touchdown Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. /

2. Fans expecting Commanders to make the playoffs

You smell that? It’s the Commanders surging up the NFC playoff standings. After starting the season 1-4, Ron Rivera’s group is suddenly tied with the 49ers for the third and final wild card berth in the NFC. The playoffs are suddenly within striking distance, but we wouldn’t go dubbing the season playoffs or bust just yet.

The standings are favorable right now, but they’re still jumbled and several teams are in contention for the final spot, including the 3-4 Rams. Additionally, a whopping five other teams are right on the Commanders’ heels with a 3-5 record, including the Buccaneers, Packers, Cardinals, Saints and Bears.

That doesn’t include the 4-4 Falcons and 5-3 Seahawks; division leaders who have the same number of wins or just one more W than Washington. If you include the 49ers, that’s nine teams who could be in play for the third wild card, assuming the Giants and Cowboys (both 6-2) continue distancing themselves from the pack.

We’ll know more of the Commanders’ playoff chances after Week 10, but let’s remember this team needed miracles to beat the Bears and Colts. A win is a win is a win, yes, but those games could’ve easily been losses.

We need to see more complete performances before we start talking about playoff football returning to DC.

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