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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. Falcons - Week 17

  • Date: To be determined (TBD)
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Northwest Stadium
  • TV channel: FOX

There is no official date and time for the Washington Commanders' regular-season home finale against the Atlanta Falcons as yet. With the two teams vying for their respective spots in the NFC playoffs, it's a prime candidate to be flexed for Saturday Night Football over the festive period.

Regardless of whether the Commanders get onto the primetime stage or not, it's a game they must win. This could be the difference between making the postseason or not. Nothing but a rousing effort will do.

The Falcons had high expectations on their shoulders in 2024. This was thanks in no small part to acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. He started well enough, but things have tailed off dramatically in recent weeks.

Cousins is slumping at the worst possible time. The former Washington signal-caller had no passing touchdowns and eight interceptions during Atlanta's four-game losing run. Their lead at the NFC South summit is no more after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leapfrogged them in Week 14.

Taking Cousins lightly is not an option for the Commanders. This is a revenge game for the quarterback, whose contract situation was managed terribly by Dan Snyder before he joined the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons also boast some dangerous offensive weapons led by running back Bijan Robinson.

Atlanta's defense is decent enough, although they were overwhelmed by the Vikings last time. Unless they somehow put everything together over the next fortnight, the Commanders will be favored to close out their home slate on a high.

  • Prediction: Commanders win (10-6)

Being complacent is not an option. The Commanders have the playoffs firmly in their grasp in this scenario. Staying composed and professional is crucial. Executing the game plan effectively and forcing Cousins into mistakes should be enough to get the job done and reach double-digit triumphs in the first season under Dan Quinn's guidance.

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