Updated Commanders playoff picture heading into Week 12 battle with Cowboys
By Dean Jones
A two-game losing streak was not what the Washington Commanders had in mind at such a crucial stage of the season. However, they are still right in the thick of things in terms of playoff standing in Year 1 of Dan Quinn's head coaching tenure.
One could argue that this represents an outstanding achievement considering the wholesale changes made to the football operation throughout a frantic offseason. The Commanders are way ahead of schedule, which inevitably came with increased expectations from a fanbase who've been starved of legitimate success for so long.
Keeping their foot on the gas is crucial. Washington doesn't look ready to hang with the NFL's elite at this stage of its exciting rebuild. But anything can happen in the playoffs.
They just have to get there.
Quinn's men have a winnable stretch of games upcoming. They also have to play the Philadelphia Eagles again and the struggling Dallas Cowboys twice within their division. More importantly, the Commanders also have a late bye week after their contest against the Tennessee Titans to heal heading into the business end of the season.
There are far worse spots to be in that's for sure. As you can see by the playoff standings below, the Commanders sit No. 7 right now with some slight breathing space over others if they can return to their outstanding form earlier in the campaign.
Commanders current NFC playoff standings entering Week 12
Seed | Team & Division | Current Record |
|---|---|---|
1. | Detroit Lions (North) | 9-1 |
2. | Philadelphia Eagles (East) | 8-2 |
3. | Arizona Cardinals (West) | 6-4 |
4. | Atlanta Falcons (South) | 6-5 |
5. | Minnesota Vikings (North) | 8-2 |
6. | Green Bay Packers (North) | 7-3 |
7. | Washington Commanders (East) | 7-4 |
In the hunt:
- Los Angeles Rams: 5-5
- Seattle Seahawks: 5-5
- San Francisco 49ers: 5-5
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-7
- Chicago Bears: 4-6
- New Orleans Saints: 4-6
It seems for all the smart money three teams from the NFC North will be taking their place in the postseason. The Detroit Lions are arguably the best team in football right now. Kevin O'Connell is overcoming significant adversity to lead the Minnesota Vikings to an 8-2 year so far. The Green Bay Packers are riding their luck but firmly on course to reach the knockout stages.
Unless the Commanders can go on an unbeaten run to close the campaign and catch the Eagles, the No. 7 seed might be their ceiling. The Packers and Vikings will play a part in that, but the margin for error is slim with other teams - especially within the NFC West - aiming to finish the season strongly.
Only one team will be coming from the NFC South in all likelihood, which is a bonus. The Commanders don't have to worry about the Cowboys or New York Giants within their division, so Washington has destiny in its hands down the stretch.
Looking at previous seasons, the Commanders need 3-to-4 wins to guarantee their playoff spot. They have a shot with the inferior opposition upcoming, but complacency cannot become an issue.
Making the playoffs was a dream come true for most fans before the season. It's very much a reality now despite the team's mini-slump over the last fortnight.
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