How Commanders Can Extend NFC East Battle, They Need Help From Cowboys

The Washington Commanders' dreams of winning the NFC East this season aren't dead.

Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after throwing a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders' turnaround has been rapid. They won four games a season ago. Discontent with the result, which followed years of mediocrity prior, the club, with new ownership, cleaned the house.

As a result, the Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall out of LSU in the recent draft, which has looked like a stellar move. They also returned the least amount of production from a season ago, which has resulted in the new coaching staff being able to establish a culture.

Through 15 games, the Commanders have a 10-5 record. It's their best record through 15 games since 1991 (notable year, yeah?). They also have a chance to win the NFC East, mathematically, though it won't be easy.

It was understood that the Commanders were chasing an at-large bid to the playoffs as a wild card team. Now, they have an avenue to a division title. They have to take care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, who are in the thick of a division title race in the NFC South against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

They need help from the Philadelphia Eagles, who are taking on the Dallas Cowboys. With a Cowboys win over the Eagles and Commanders win over the Falcons, the NFC East battle will be extended to Week 18 and be decided in the final weekend of regular season play.

Of course, the Eagles and Commanders would need certain results to determine the NFC East from there, but how Week 17 plays out matters the most.

Whether they win the division or not, it's hard not to appreciate the turnaround Washington has had as a club this season. They'll be a squad to keep an eye on as a potential postseason participant and for how they approach this offseason.

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