Winning is Nice, But Not Needed; Washington Commanders Eying Playoffs

Tomorrow the Commanders host the Atlanta Falcons, who are poised to win the NFC South if the Buccaneers lose and they win. So the Falcons have a lot riding on their season, and this game, especially benching Kirk Cousins for rookie, Michael Penix Jr., the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Commanders, however, only need to win, or hope for a Buccaneers loss, and they secure the 7th seed in the NFC Playoff picture. None of this was expected in Dan Quinn's first year, and prior to the draft, when Dan Quinn called Jayden Daniels a game changer, it looks like he knew what he was talking about.

There is an outside chance, in which the Commanders could clinch the NFC East if the Eagles lose against the Cowboys this week and then lose their week 18 matchup against the New York Giants, while Washington beats the Cowboys in week 18. This scenario is unlikely, but if Washington wins out and the Eagles lose out, Washington has the better division record at 4-2 while the Eagles would be 3-3. Winning the division could thrust the Commanders into the 2 seed in the playoffs.

The Commanders could miss the playoffs entirely, which is hard to imagine based on their schedule, but it certainly is possible. If the Falcons and the Buccaneers were to win both of their games, with Washington losing both of their remaining games, the Commanders would be 10-7 and thus missing the playoffs entirely based on losing the head to head battle against Tampa Bay the first game of the season.

Northwest Stadium, Landover Maryland

Based on the playoff implications, the game against the Falcons tomorrow can be important based on what goals the Commanders are putting in front of them, least of which should be to win out.

Atlanta comes in to Washington with a need to win if they are to secure the division. Neither team will be taking it easy with so much on the line.

Atlanta comes in riding a win on Michael Penix Jr.'s first start in the NFL in which he looked like it was worth the wait. The Falcons also have a two headed running game with Bijon Robinson and Tyler Allgier. Their offensive weapons are no slouches either. Darnell Mooney came from the Bears and Drake London is finally starting to emerge after being drafted 2 years ago. Both Mooney and London are on the verge of breaking a 12 year old franchise record of both receivers achieving 1000 yards receiving.

I would like to think that the secondary of the Commanders would be able to handle such a duo, but Marshon Lattimore, who played against the Eagles last week - his first game played since being acquired via trade from the New Orleans Saints - has been ruled out against the Falcons with the nagging hamstring injury.

Mike Sainristil, Rookie CB

This leaves the secondary work up to Benjamin St. Juste, Mike Sainristil, and Noah Igbinoghene. The defense itself has work to do in order to stop an offense like that of the Falcons.

This game has been flexed to the Sunday Night Football game, which we know the Commanders are never good in primetime situations, but Washington has surprised many fans as well as this guy, and we hope we can see a victory Monday with the playoff bid secure. Here's hoping for the division, but a bid is good nonetheless.