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14 hours ago
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Few expected the Commanders to be a playoff team in 2024, but they moved one step closer to punching their ticket in Week 16.
Sunday, Washington found a way to slow down the surging Eagles, earning a 36-33 win thanks to another game-winning drive led by rookie star Jayden Daniels. Things get no easier for the Commanders, who next face a Falcons team that is hoping Michael Penix Jr. can breathe new life into a talented offense.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 16
As Daniels continues to deliver signature moments during his rookie season, he can put a bow on the campaign by leading his team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Here's a look at the Commanders' updated playoff chances and what they need to do to clinch.
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Commanders playoff picture
NFC East standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Eagles | 12-3 |
| 2 | Commanders | 10-5 |
| 3 | Cowboys | 6-8 |
| 4 | Giants | 2-13 |
The Commanders are still in NFC East contention, but the path is extraordinarily narrow. Washington can only win the division by winning out and hoping the Eagles lose out.
NFC wild-card standings
| Seed | Team | Record |
| 5 | Vikings | 13-2 |
| 6 | Packers | 11-4 |
| 7 | Commanders | 10-5 |
| 8 | Seahawks | 8-7 |
| 9 | Buccaneers | 8-7 |
The Commanders are much better positioned in the NFC wild-card race, but their place in the playoffs is not yet secure. Washington holds a narrow lead over the Seahawks and is still in danger of being caught by the Falcons, who they play in Week 17, or the Buccaneers, who beat them in Week 1.
Sunday's win over the Eagles is massive for the Commanders and moved them one step closer to clinching a playoff berth. With the Falcons defeating the Giants in Week 16, Washington cannot clinch until next week.
MORE: How Commanders could get unexpected defensive boost
Commanders remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 29 | vs. Falcons | 8:20p |
| 18 | Jan. 5 | at Cowboys | TBD |
The Commanders face a desperate Falcons team after their matchup with the Eagles, and it could be a critical game for both teams and their rookie quarterbacks. Washington closes out the season in Dallas against the Cowboys, who handed the Commanders a tough loss in their first meeting in November.
Commanders updated playoff chances
ESPN's Football Power Index rates the Commanders' playoff chances at 90%, giving Washington a strong chance of earning a wild-card berth. The Commanders' NFC East chances are rated at less than 1%.
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