The Washington Commanders are the surprise team in the NFL at 7-4. After a 7-2 start, Washington has lost its last two games but remains firmly entrenched in the NFC playoff race. The Commanders are just a game and a half behind the Eagles for first place in the NFC East and will determine their playoff fate. Washington and Philadelphia meet again in Week 16.
Washington is on pace to have its best season since 1991, when it last won the Super Bowl. The then-Redskins took a 14-2 lead and were steamrolling through the rest of the NFL. While the 2024 Commanders aren't quite the 1991 team, head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels have the franchise ahead of schedule.
There are still six games left on the program for the Commanders. How many wins are left on this schedule? We're making predictions for each of Washington's six remaining games.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (83) returns a punt against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
These teams are going in different directions. The most ironic thing is that Quinn, who left Dallas, is now leading the turnaround in Washington. Meanwhile, his former boss Mike McCarthy is fighting to keep his job. Dallas is 3-7, going nowhere and battling a lot of injuries.
forecast: Victory (8-4)
Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8). Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
The Titans are 2-8 and struggling on offense. Since losing running back Derrick Henry, Tennessee has lacked an offensive identity and is trying to develop a young quarterback (Will Levis). The Titans are solid defensively, but shouldn't be an opponent for Washington. Luckily for the Commanders, a week after this game they finally get their bye.
forecast: Win (9-4)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
This game is hard. The Saints have talent and have been playing inspired football since firing head coach Dennis Allen. The Commanders could target this game for cornerback Marshon Lattimore's debut against his former team. Playing in the Superdome is never easy, but after a bye, Washington will be well-prepared to win a close battle.
forecast: Win (10-4)
Mike Sainristil #0 of the Washington Commanders breaks up a pass intended for DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
This should be an entertaining rematch. The Commanders proved they could keep up with the Eagles and led for three quarters. However, Philadelphia's depth in the trenches wore Washington down late in Week 11. Unless Saquon Barkley or the starting offensive lineman gets injured, the Eagles will have the advantage again. Philly wins the season in a close battle.
forecast: Defeat (10-5)
Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
This is another difficult prediction. The Falcons have an excellent offense but looked terrible in last week's loss to the Broncos. It was their second defeat in a row. Is this a sign of things to come or just a blip on the radar? The Commanders will finally get a win over their former quarterback Kirk Cousins, and Quinn is motivated to beat the Falcons, where he spent over five seasons as head coach.
forecast: Win (11-5)
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a touchdown with Jayden Daniels #5 in the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 3, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
What will Dallas be playing for in Week 18? Who will be on the field for the Cowboys? Washington will prepare for the playoffs while Dallas owner Jerry Jones will likely search for his next coach. The Commanders sweep the Cowboys.
forecast: Win (12-5)