Things are getting tense for the Washington Commanders. Fans got further proof of that with a nervy success at the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
The Commanders seemed in complete control of proceedings at the half-time interval. Spencer Rattler came in under center for New Orleans, and a lack of execution meant head coach Dan Quinn's squad made much harder work of it than needed.
It took a failed two-point conversion attempt to achieve what could be a priceless victory, but the result is all that matters. The Commanders kept their grip on the seventh seed and moved to nine wins on the season. That's a tremendous accomplishment in Year 1 of this substantial rebuilding project.
Washington is dealing with injuries, which isn't exactly ideal considering the high stakes attached down the stretch. They are within touching distance of the postseason. One last effort to meet these raised expectations is needed.
With this in mind, we predicted how things could go for Washington over the final three games of an enthralling 2024 regular-season slate.
Predicting the Commanders' final three games of the 2024 season
Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 16
- Date: Sunday, December 22
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- TV channel: FOX
Things don't get any easier for the Washington Commanders this weekend. The red-hot Philadelphia Eagles come to town on the back of a 10-game winning streak. They also easily disposed of Dan Quinn's men in Week 11 on Thursday Night Football.
Cracks were beginning to show for the Eagles after a narrow win against the Carolina Panthers. Rumors of friction between quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown took center stage. These were put to rest as the pair connected frequently during their comfortable triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers last time out.
The Eagles can officially clinch the NFC East with a win at Northwest Stadium. Washington will be striving to ensure that doesn't happen, although they must navigate some concerning injury issues to be competitive in this one.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (9-6)
Looking at how the Commanders tightened up down the stretch in New Orleans, how the first meeting between the two division rivals went, and the fact Washington is severely depleted, one couldn't predict anything other than an Eagles win right now. But that's not to say they don't have a chance if everyone performs up to or above expectations.
Commanders vs. Falcons - Week 17
- Date: To be determined (TBD)
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- TV channel: FOX
We should get more clarity about the date and time of this game in the coming days. After the Atlanta Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, there's a good chance this contest gets moved to primetime considering the significance attached.
Regardless of when it's played, this represents a must-win game for the Washington Commanders. It's their final home game of the regular season. Getting to double-digit wins might be enough to seal their postseason berth when push comes to shove.
The Falcons won't be doing them any favors. They are still hot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' heels for NFC South supremacy. Ending their concerning recent slump versus the Raiders was essential — something they managed to accomplished by the weird score of 15-9.
Washington cannot take the Falcons lightly, but they are more than capable of making things extremely difficult for Raheem Morris' squad. The crowd at Northwest Stadium will also be doing everything in their power to inspire the players to a massive effort as the curtain comes down on their home slate.
This is also another return for ex-Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins. The veteran signal-caller is coming under fire for his subpar performances in recent weeks. If the Commanders can generate pressure, mistakes will arrive. With stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore finally involved, it improves the secondary's chances of turning opportunities into turnovers.
Tensions will be high for both teams. If this game also gets the national spotlight treatment, it only raises the stakes. It's all about who can handle the pressure cooker better. That's it.
- Prediction: Commanders win (10-6)
Gettting to 10 wins might be enough to make the playoffs depending on how results go elsewhere. The Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks could have something to say about that, but the Commanders can remove the Falcons from the equation with success in Week 17.
Nothing else will do.
Commanders at Cowboys - Week 18
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- TV channel: FOX
This is another game that hasn't been given a time or date as yet. Much will depend on what happens this weekend with the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys both harboring hopes of making the playoffs.
Dallas needs everything to go in its favor in pursuit of the postseason. They are sitting on six wins after easily dismantling the Carolina Panthers. But it would be surprising if the Cowboys were still in contention by the time Week 18 rolls around.
The Commanders are on the opposite side of the spectrum. One more win could solidify their playoff aspirations. If not, then all the pressure will be on head coach Dan Quinn on his return to AT&T Stadium.
It'll be an emotional reunion for Quinn. He formed close relationships with players and staff in Dallas during his successful stint as defensive coordinator. Even so, this is a business trip when it's all said and done.
After failing to meet expectations in their first meeting, the Commanders need to respond accordingly. Adjusting the game plan effectively and starting well should be enough to get Dallas on the back foot.
It's also worth noting that the Cowboys have an abysmal record on home soil this season. They are 1-6 currently and have been comprehensively beaten in most. One must speculate how much motivation fans and players would have left if they were playing for nothing other than pride in this one.
That said, this is a battle between two storied rivals. The Cowboys won't want the Commanders celebrating a postseason spot on their patch. That should provide enough to drive Dallas' players before their offseason begins.
Much will depend on whether Washington's clinched the postseason or which players are taking part. If there is a need for Quinn's men to win and get in, they must deliver.
- Prediction: Commanders win (11-6)
Reaching 11 wins was beyond any wildest dreams before the campaign. Something that would strengthen general manager Adam Peters' position further heading into his second offseason at the helm.