Winner No. 4
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders' offensive line held up remarkably well in the face of stern opposition. And even though he got a lot more help than left tackle Laremy Tunsil, this was another accomplished outing from first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr.
Conerly endured a baptism of fire to start his NFL career. The Commanders were willing to put up with growing pains, but their faith in the former Oregon standout never wavered during his transition to the right tackle spot. Those in power were rewarded with gradual growth, and the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 draft has come to life over the second half of the campaign.
His footwork and hand placement have developed significantly. Conerly still needs to add some strength to his core base, but the trajectory is pointing up. With another offseason to hone his craft, the sky is the limit in 2026 and beyond.
Loser No. 2
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz was nothing short of sensational throughout the game. That was great news for the Commanders, but it left Ben Suinnott on the outside looking in once again.
This has been the tale of Sinnott's two years in Washington so far. The Commanders didn't spend a second-round pick on the former Kansas State product for him to be a bit-part player. They wanted him to emerge gradually as a long-term replacement for Ertz, but the jury is still well and truly out on that one.
Sinnott was brought in for jumbo packages when extra protection was needed, but his involvement was fleeting. The calls to get him more involved as part of Washington's ongoing roster assessments are falling on deaf ears. If the same trend continues over the Commanders' remaining five games, it will tell fans all they need to know about how those in power perceive his development.
Winner No. 5
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Everyone associated with the Commanders got a massive booing when wide receiver Terry McLaurin returned. He was reportedly going to be on a snap count after featuring just four times this season, but that went out of the window once this game became one Washington could win.
McLaurin couldn't have asked for a more formidable challenge to get back into the groove. The second-team All-Pro locked horns with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, who was also making his comeback from a torn pectoral muscle. The battle went back and forth, but the wideout gave the shutdown corner a real test.
The Ohio State product had some trouble with his footwork on Washington's new field at Northwest Stadium. However, he still made a difference, recording seven catches on 14 receptions for 96 receiving yards and one touchdown.
This also proved how much the Commanders have missed McLaurin this season. Hopefully, his health worries are over, and he can end the campaign on the front foot.