How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games with the team currently staring another losing season in the face?
It seems longer than a week since the Washington Commanders endured another embarrassment on national television. There's been a lot to unpack since then, with head coach Ron Rivera firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio in the hope it can provide the spark needed to end the campaign strongly.
The bye week is quickly approaching for the Commanders, which is another chance to reload and assess what needs to be done. But in truth, Rivera's fate is probably sealed as Josh Harris' ownership gets set to hit the reset button completely to bring this franchise back to prominence.
There are still five games to navigate before and after the bye. The Commanders haven't thrown in the towel just yet, but things are not looking good after inconsistencies and torrid performances since their promising 2-0 opening to the campaign.
With this in mind, we took a look at how the Commanders could fare over their next four games with Rivera one defeat away from his fourth-straight losing season.
Commanders vs. Dolphins - Week 13
Ron Rivera picked a helluva game to take over the Washington Commanders' defense. The Miami Dolphins and their high-octane offense come to town this weekend, which represents a stern test and one that couldn't be more daunting in the circumstances.
Counteracting every Dolphins playmaker is an impossible task. Mike McDaniel - a former Washington assistant coach - runs a scheme that plays to their strengths, which centers on getting the football out quickly and relying on their weapons with dynamic speed to do damage.
Prediction: Loss (4-9)
This poses a serious problem for a floundering Commanders' defense right now. If Rivera doesn't have a miracle cure for this unit, it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
Commanders at LA Rams - Week 15
After a long, grueling season, the Washington Commanders have the benefit of a bye in Week 14. This is late in the day, but it provides a chance to reassess and make the adjustments needed to finish the campaign on a positive note.
How much difference this would make to Josh Harris' ownership group down the stretch is debatable. All signs point to head coach Ron Rivera being removed from the equation once the campaign concludes, with speculation already rising about who the Commanders could lure to the franchise now previous owner Dan Snyder is no longer part of the equation.
First up after the bye is a cross-country trip to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. Sean McVay - another former Washington assistant - is a shrewd offensive mind who'll already have ideas on how best to expose the Commanders' defense on the fast track SoFi Stadium provides.
The Rams aren't making any great shakes this season, which many anticipated after removing plenty of established stars to recoup draft capital for the future. They still boast dangerous pieces on both sides of the football, but this is arguably Washington's best remaining chance to pick up another victory in 2023.
Prediction: Win (5-9)
Coming off the bye with extra preparation and extended rest could be enough to galvanize the Commanders to a good performance. However, nothing can be said with any conviction given how this team's performed of late.
Commanders at NY Jets - Week 16
This game looked like a mundane one just a few short weeks ago. However, there is an interesting dynamic to consider that generated further momentum on Wednesday.
The New York Jets opened Aaron Rodgers' 21-day window and the quarterback was listed as limited in practice. This is a remarkable turn of events considering his Achilles visibly popped on national television after just four offensive snaps in Week 1.
Rodgers stated on the Pat McAfee Show that a return would be dependent on health and whether the Jets are still in contention for a playoff spot. That doesn't look like it's going to be the case, so risking the four-time NFL MVP's long-term health when there is nothing much to play for other than pride seems foolish.
If Rodgers decides not to suit up, the Commanders have a real chance of overcoming the Jets. MetLife Stadium hasn't been the happiest hunting ground for Ron Rivera in recent years, but quarterback Tim Boyle is nothing to fear compared to a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Prediction: Win (6-9)
We'll base this on the premise Rodgers doesn't play. The Jets' defense is high-caliber, but it might not take that many points to achieve success if Boyle or perhaps even Zach Wilson is under center for the hosts.
Commanders vs. 49ers - Week 17
One of the biggest talking points for the Washington Commanders this season came when those in power opted to trade defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline. By all accounts, it was a more difficult decision to part ways with the former than the latter based on reports that followed once the bombshell moves were confirmed.
Things between Young and the Commanders didn't go according to plan. Injuries and poor production meant a once-generational prospect couldn't meet lofty expectations, leaving the new ownership regime with no option other than to accept the San Francisco 49ers' offer of a conditional third-round selection.
Young will have revenge on his mind in Week 17 when he makes a quick return to FedEx Field. This added motivation aside, the task awaiting Ron Rivera's men couldn't be steeper against the legitimate Super Bowl contender.
If the Niners get a lead, they rarely give it up. They have dynamic difference-makers everywhere you look and former Commanders left tackle Trent Williams is arguably the best blindside protector in football.
Prediction: Loss (6-10)
It would be a huge shock if the Commanders could rise to the occasion and get one over on San Francisco. These are two teams heading in different directions, so Young and Williams might get the last laugh on their old employers in this one.