The Washington Commanders won't win the NFC East in 2025, but they can certainly play a significant role in determining who does.
Washington's final three games are against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and the Eagles again. The defending Super Bowl champions can clinch the division with a win over the Commanders on Saturday, but if they don't, things could get extremely interesting.
That should be Washington's mindset this weekend, and it's a very realistic possibility.
Commanders can beat the flawed Eagles, and what's next is anyone's guess
The Eagles had lost three games in a row before shutting out the dismal Las Vegas Raiders last week. Their offense has been underwhelming all year, with running back Saquon Barkley crashing to Earth and quarterback Jalen Hurts routinely exposed when he's forced to make plays through the air.
The Commanders have momentum after their Week 15 win over the New York Giants, and the home crowd should be on their side. They haven't lost in regulation in the past three games Marcus Mariota has started under center. They'll also be fired up against a hated rival. This figures to be a highly competitive matchup, one that Washington absolutely can win.
If the Commanders can pull off the victory, and the Cowboys take care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, then Washington could hold the fate of the NFC East in its hands. Dan Quinn's unit then has the opportunity to play spoiler in each of its final two games.
Week 17 would be an opportunity to end the Cowboys' playoff hopes, on Christmas Day at that. Then, if the Commanders are unsuccessful, they'd have a chance to complete a stunning Eagles collapse in Week 18 at Lincoln Financial Field, provided they also lose at the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
Improbable, but not impossible.
The Commanders no longer have anything to lose. All they have left to play for is their pride and the chance to end their season on a more positive note after suffering through a campaign that fell woefully short of expectations. Having a high draft position is excellent, but embarrassing your divisional opponents is even better.
Despite the playoffs being out of reach, Washington has not quit on this season. That will need to be more apparent than ever over their final three regular-season commitments.
The Commanders can be a thorn in the side for their two biggest rivals these next three weeks, and they can turn the race for the divisional crown on its head.