Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders get major help toward playoff push during bye

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated 12/12/22

Washington started the week in eighth place, one-half game out of the seventh in the final playoff spot. Thanks to losses by the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, the Commanders are now sixth with next week’s Sunday Night Football game looming.

The Giants were overmatched Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, the top NFC team. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 77 yards and a touchdown to lead Philadelphia to a 48-22 win during the 1 o’clock slate.

Then the Carolina Panthers stunned the Seahawks 30-24 in the 4pm window, propelling the Commanders in the standings.

NFC playoff picture

Eagles 12-1
Vikings 10-3
49ers 9-4
Bucs 6-7
Dallas 10-3
Washington 7-5-1
NYG 7-5-1

—

SEA 7-6
DET 6-7
(GB, CAR, ATL all 5-8)

Very little room for error going forward.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 12, 2022

If the regular season ended today, the Commanders would travel to play at the 49ers in the wild-card round. But the Commanders cannot look ahead.

They’re now facing a gauntlet to solidify their playoff chances. It starts next week, hosting the Giants on Sunday night. The winner will take another step toward securing a playoff spot.

The Commanders and Giants played to a 20-20 tie in East Rutherford, NJ Week 13.

Following next week’s showdown with the Giants, the Commanders will play the 49ers in Santa Clara in what could be a preview of the playoffs. Washington will host the Cleveland Browns and the Cowboys to conclude their season.

After a 1-4 start, the Commanders have won six of eight games, going 6-1-1. Taylor Heinicke has started at quarterback for five of those wins.

Washington’s resurgence has been on the back of its defense and the legs of its running game headed by rookie Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders hope to ride their current formula all the way to the playoffs. Those hopes received a boost Sunday.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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