Winner No. 2
Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
Very few veteran gambles made by general manager Adam Peters have paid off this season. Injuries played their part in Jonathan Jones' contribution, but the cornerback gave the Washington Commanders plenty to think about with a productive final game of the campaign.
Jones has always been an accomplished player. Injuries have taken their toll, and he's not getting any younger either. This was arguably his most assured performance of the campaign by a considerable margin, which is only going to help in his quest for another contract in Washington or elsewhere.
The Commanders need to make changes in their cornerback room this offseason. Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will be back, but the same cannot be said of the rest. They will need an experienced presence capable of slotting in anywhere, so Jones may be in line for another short-term agreement if those in power give him the benefit of the doubt.
Time will tell, but he was an undoubted standout at Lincoln Financial Field.
Loser No. 1
Jake Moody - Commanders PK
The Commanders have been scrambling for a dependable option at the kicking position for years. It's been a proverbial carousel of veteran pieces who've come and gone in Washington since Adam Peters became general manager, and his latest roll of the dice doesn't seem to be the answer, either.
When big-money signing Matt Gay failed to become even remotely consistent, Peters needed someone else. The Commanders signed Jake Moody from the Chicago Bears' practice squad to fill the void, and the early signs were encouraging. But if the veteran wanted to leave a positive final impression before the time to decide his future arrives, he failed to meet expectations.
Washington began the game with a 10-minute drive that fell agonizingly short of the end zone. Moody came on the field for a chip shot, but he hit the upright. This typified how things have gone for the Commanders this season, and it almost guarantees Peters will be looking for yet another kicker when the 2026 offseason arrives.
He made a 56-yarder, but it's the small things that matter more.
This time, there can be no half-measures. Peters needs to find a long-term option from the college ranks or free agency. After so much upheaval, he must give them time.
Winner No. 3
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin has missed a lot of football this season. Whether things would have been different had the prolific wide receiver stayed healthy is debatable, but he's at least ended the campaign on a high note.
McLaurin remains the heartbeat of everything good for Washington in the passing game. He was a dependable security blanket for veteran quarterback Josh Johnson against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he had no problem looking to him for inspiration in key moments. While the back-to-back NFC East champions were resting a lot of their starters, it doesn't detract from the impressive outing put together by the former Ohio State standout during a route-running clinic.
This season hasn't gone as anyone hoped, McLaurin included. However, his production since returning to the lineup following a lengthy absence reminded everyone of his importance. And the Commanders should continue to build around the two-time Pro Bowler this offseason.