How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games with the team currently languishing at 4-7 through 11 contests?
This time last week there was some semblance of hope. An encouraging outing at the Seattle Seahawks that eventually fell short coupled with the prospect of coming up against the lowly New York Giants meant expectations were raised and another win could potentially be celebrated in Week 11.
How wrong we were.
The Commanders were humiliated by a Giants team missing some key figures and with rookie undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito under center. This was another nail in the proverbial coffin of head coach Ron Rivera, who looks to be living on borrowed time as Josh Harris' ownership group gets set to hit the reset button.
Could the Commanders shift this narrative over their remaining games? Will Rivera still be around to see out the campaign? We took a look at how things might unfold over Washington's next four contests with the team's wildcard hopes all but over.
Commanders at Cowboys - Week 12
There is no time for the Washington Commanders to wallow in their current plight. Players and coaches alike must dust themselves off and get ready for what looks to be a tricky-looking test at the Dallas Cowboys with the entire NFL community watching on Thanksgiving.
One has to wonder what might come next if the Commanders are heavily beaten once again with the national spotlight glaring. Dallas is also renowned for victimizing inferior opposition - something they accomplished without being at their best against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.
Prediction: Loss (4-8)
Washington is currently 0-4 within the division. It's hard to picture any scenario where this unbeaten streak isn't extended at AT&T Stadium considering the trajectory of both teams.
Commanders vs. Dolphins - Week 13
It's been a long, hard slog for the Washington Commanders this season. But with their bye week firmly in sight, there is one big obstacle left to overcome before an extended period of rest.
And make no mistake, it's a huge one.
The Miami Dolphins have one of the most prolific offenses in recent memory. Their dynamic scheme is predicated on speed, an explosive running attack, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa getting the football out quickly into the hands of his supremely gifted playmakers.
This is something they've accomplished with ruthless efficiency up to now. Considering the Commanders' inconsistency on the defensive side of things, it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
It'll take a monumental turnaround from the Commanders to keep this close. Weirdly, their best hope would probably be turning this into a shootout and hoping quarterback Sam Howell can conjure enough magic with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy calling the shots.
Prediction: Loss (4-9)
A win versus a potential AFC conference challenger might buy head coach Ron Rivera a little extra time to see out the season. However, this is a steep challenge that might end with another loss at FedEx Field.
Let's just hope the hot water is working this time. That would be something, at least.
Commanders at LA Rams - Week 15
If the Washington Commanders' fourth-straight losing season under Ron Rivera is confirmed before the bye week, nothing can be ruled out. Josh Harris' ownership group may take the extended rest period to remove the head coach and give Eric Bieniemy a mini-audition to see what he could potentially bring to the role long-term.
Harris might decide that's unfair to Bieniemy and let things ride out with Rivera until the season's conclusion. But having the offensive coordinator at the helm of an NFL franchise at long last could provide the spark needed for a strong end to the campaign.
Having the bye to implement any immediate changes in terms of approach would also be beneficial. Even if Rivera is still around, this looks like a game where the Commanders can be competitive at the very least.
The Los Angeles Rams have been a true enigma this season. At times they look like a potential playoff hopeful and at the same time, look like a bottom-feeder when everything doesn't click.
Prediction: Loss (4-10)
If Bieniemy is interim head coach coming off the bye, it's a different story. But Sean McVay's offense going up against the suspect Commanders' defense doesn't exactly bode well for the team's chances of triumphing at SoFi Stadium unless significant adjustments are made.
Commanders at NY Jets - Week 16
This is the game where quarterback Aaron Rodgers has reportedly marked for a sensational comeback from a torn Achilles suffered after just four snaps of his New York Jets regular season debut. However, with the AFC East team going nowhere fast right now, it seems too big of a risk unless there is something legitimate to play for.
Had Rodgers been under center for the Jets this season, they'd likely be among the playoff challengers. Their defense is top-notch with some outstanding playmakers, but the offense has unsurprisingly not lived up to their end of the bargain with Zach Wilson leading the charge.
Last weekend's loss was enough for head coach Robert Saleh to finally pull the plug on Wilson. Tim Boyle will start moving forward, with Trevor Siemian backing up the newly crowned No. 1 as the BYU product is demoted to third string.
Assuming Rodgers doesn't come back - which seems like the most realistic outcome - the Washington Commanders have a real shot at ending a concerning losing streak in this scenario. Although most fans would be worried about what a victory might do to their 2024 NFL Draft standing if things play out in this manner beforehand.
Prediction: Win (5-10)
The Commanders have nothing much to fear going up against Boyle. But it's also worth remembering most said that about Tommy DeVito before Week 11 and look how that turned out.