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Predicting the Commanders' final four games of 2024 after 8-5 start

Dan Quinn's men have the postseason in sight.

By Dean Jones

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels / Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 16

  • Date: Sunday, December 22
  • Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Northwest Stadium
  • TV channel: FOX

Despite the Philadelphia Eagles being in complete control of the NFC East and solidifying their postseason spot last time out with a narrow success over the Carolina Panthers, small cracks are beginning to show. These center on quarterback Jalen Hurts' inability to get the passing game going consistently enough.

This has been masked by the phenomenal production of running back Saquon Barkley, who is in contention for the NFL MVP and could break the league's single-season rushing record with a strong end to the campaign. However, the frustrations of wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are obvious.

The Washington Commanders were no match for the Eagles during the first meeting between the division rivals on Thursday Night Football. One could point to quarterback Jayden Daniels not being at 100 percent, but there is a lot of ground for head coach Dan Quinn's men to make up to be more competitive in this one.

Philadelphia's defensive front had its way with Washington in the trenches. Things weren't much better on the other side of the football at Lincoln Financial Field. Unless significant adjustments are made, it's hard to envisage a scenario where the Commanders turn the tide.

Controlling the clock is crucial. The Panthers showed it can be done. That was a surprise to some, but they've been much more competitive over the last five weeks. They also proved that the best way to limit Barkley's influence — if 124 rushing yards equates to that — is by keeping him off the field.

Daniels is methodical. The Commanders will lean on Brian Robinson Jr. heavily, especially considering Austin Ekeler is on injured reserve after suffering a serious concussion against the Dallas Cowboys. How this backfield tandem performs will go a long way to determining the overall outcome.

  • Prediction: Commanders loss (9-6)

The home crowd should galvanize Washington to a better display. Whether it's enough to get the better of the Eagles is another matter.

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