Updated Commanders playoff picture heading into Week 15 at the Saints
By Dean Jones
Everything was out of the Washington Commanders' hands last weekend. Dan Quinn's squad had their feet up on a much-needed bye week, which will hopefully provide this group with enough energy to kick on and cement their postseason status down the stretch.
This is a precarious situation for the Commanders. Not many envisaged Washington's rebuild to be in this position in Year 1. Seizing the moment is a different matter when the pressure builds.
Expectations rose after a phenomenal start to the campaign. Although things tailed off slightly during a disappointing run of results, they got back on track with a dominant display against the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium in Week 13. This was much more like what fans have come to expect.
The Commanders had a keen eye on developments around the league during their prolonged rest period. Some results went in their favor. Others didn't. But the message from Quinn remains the same.
He wants the Commanders to take things one game at a time. Quinn doesn't want his players worrying about what's going on outside of their control. Remaining focused on the immediate task at hand and staying professional is the way he believes they can book a playoff spot in 2024.
The stakes are high and the margin for error is gone. Coming back off the bye with a victory at the New Orleans Saints will give their chances a big shot in the arm. It might also see Quinn start to aim a little higher rather than just hoping to cling to the final spot.
Let's take a look at how things stand and what's to come.
Commanders current NFC playoff standings entering Week 15
1. Detroit Lions (NFC North): 12-1
2. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East): 11-2
3. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West): 8-5
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South): 7-6
5. Minnesota Vikings (NFC North): 11-2
6. Green Bay Packers (NFC North): 9-4
7. Washington Commanders (NFC East): 8-5
In the hunt:
- Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
- Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
The Commanders are one game ahead of the Los Angeles Rams after their upset win over the Buffalo Bills. This is the primary danger to Washington's hopes of reaching the knockout round. They are building momentum at the right time and will fancy their chances of finishing on a high after this confidence-boosting triumph.
At the same time, the Commanders find themselves one game behind the sixth-placed Green Bay Packers. They were beaten by the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football despite a spirited effort. While Matt LaFleur has enough talent at his disposal to make the playoffs, Washington has an attainable goal with a strong end to the campaign.
Things will probably change. Perhaps even this weekend looking at the fixtures in Week 15.
Games that could impact the Commanders in Week 15
- Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
- Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Chargers
- Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
- Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders
If the Commanders can achieve success at the Saints and the Rams and Packers lose tricky road games, the dynamic completely shifts. Time will tell...
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