3 most important games remaining on Commanders’ 2022 schedule
By Jerry Trotta
2. Week 16 at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers haven’t lived up to their potential this season, but there’s a reason myriad analysts regard them as a Super Bowl contender. Incredibly, though, San Francisco is looking up at Seattle in the NFC West. They’re only two games out of first, but right now Kyle Shanahan’s group is battling for a Wild Card berth.
If the season ended today, the 49ers would own the third Wild card spot.
Assuming Washington’s season hasn’t come off the rails by then, this Week 16 matchup will have seismic playoff implications. We’d argue the Niners have the second-most talented roster in the NFC behind the Eagles. Acquiring Christian McCafrrey has made Jimmy Garoppolo’s life easier, and the quarterback has responded by throwing at least two touchdowns in four consecutive games.
Between McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and an elite offensive line featuring old friend Trent Williams at left tackle, San Francisco’s offense is loaded and will be a handful for the Commanders’ defense.
This game will be played in San Francisco on Christmas Eve, too, so you can expect Levi’s Stadium to be packed to the nines with raucous 49ers fans. This could be Washington’s biggest game of the season when all is said and done.
However …