Updated Commanders playoff picture heading into crucial Week 14 bye
By Dean Jones
To say the Washington Commanders needed a win in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans would be an understatement. They accomplished this feat with minimal fuss.
This was more like the Commanders' professional performances that fans had come to expect earlier in the campaign. They blazed a trail early, dominating in all three phases to put the game out of sight early in the fourth quarter. Washington's offense put up more than 40 points on the Titans' improving defense. Bobby Wagner's decision to speak up and rally his teammates paid off in no uncertain terms.
The implications would have been severe had Washington not won this game before the bye week. A poor run of results saw their playoff cushion evaporate over the last month. The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers both won again, so the seventh seed is probably the best Washington can hope for looking at the NFC North's strength right now.
Even this would have been beyond the dreams of most fans before the campaign. Nobody anticipated the Commanders to start so strongly under the new regime. They recovered from a midseason blip and now get an extended rest period before their final four games of the campaign.
It's a time for rest, recuperation, and reflection. But one could forgive the players and staff for having half an eye on those also looking to make the knockout rounds in 2024.
Here's how things stand in the NFC heading into Week 14.
Updated Commanders playoff standings before Week 14 bye
- Detroit Lions (NFC North): 11-1
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East): 9-2
- Seattle Seahawks (NFC West): 7-5
- Atlanta Falcons (NFC South): 6-6
- Minnesota Vikings (NFC North): 10-2
- Green Bay Packers (NFC North): 9-3
- Washington Commanders (NFC East): 8-5
In the hunt:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-6
- Arizona Cardinals: 6-6
- Los Angeles Rams: 6-6
- San Francisco 49ers: 5-7
- Dallas Cowboys: 5-7
Regardless of what happens around the league in Week 14 while the Commanders have their feet up, Quinn's men will still have the seventh seed in their grasp. The margin for error might diminish, but destiny is in their hands.
The Commanders have two divisional games versus the Eagles and Cowboys to get through. They'll also take on the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, which look winnable looking at the current state of the NFC South right now.
Quinn's squad gave themselves a fighting chance. Having some time off before the business end of the campaign will be a bonus. But make no mistake, a rousing effort is needed to ensure their hard work earlier this season doesn't go to waste.
Until then, here are the games Washington fans should have their eye on in Week 14. The results will be telling in the Commanders' quest for a playoff return.
- Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
- Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
- Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Let's hope the results go in Washington's favor.
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