The Washington Commanders have earned impressive wins in back-to-back weeks, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime on Sunday Night Football in Week 17 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18.
Let’s use the PFN NFL Playoff Predictor to break down the current Commanders’ playoff picture, how they can still win the NFC East, and whether they have clinched a playoff spot.
What is the Washington Commanders’ Current Playoff Picture?
After earning a dramatic overtime victory over the Falcons on Sunday Night Football, the Commanders have clinched a playoff spot.
Washington is currently the sixth seed in the NFC standings with a 11-5 record. Jayden Daniels and Co. have exceeded all expectations during the 2024 NFL season, and now they have a chance to shock the world on football’s biggest stage.
The Commanders are now two games behind the Eagles (13-3) in the NFC East standings.
What Did the Week 17 Win Mean for the Commanders?
By defeating the Falcons, the Commanders punched their ticket to the postseason. It also keeps open the possibility that Washington could win the NFC East.
If the Commanders win the NFC East, they are assured of finishing as the No. 2 seed, as neither the NFC West nor NFC South winner can get to the 12 wins that the Commanders need to match the Eagles to win the division.
The win on Sunday Night Football also means that the Commanders can still finish as the No. 6 seed. The Commanders and Packers now have the same record, and if they are tied on winning percentage after Week 18, Washington would finish above the Green Bay based on conference record.
To simulate all the different scenarios, head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor to see how they change the playoff picture and the NFL postseason bracket.