THE Washington Commanders are off this week. After playing 13 straight weeks, Washington will have its bye week. At 8-5, the Commanders’ first 13 weeks couldn’t have gone better.
Despite a recent three-game losing streak in which Washington missed two games, the Commanders remain in excellent position to make the NFC playoffs. This is a remarkable feat, considering Washington won four games last season.
Here’s a current look at the NFC playoff field:
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Detroit Lions
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Philadelphia Eagles
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Seattle Seahawks
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Atlanta Falcons
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Minnesota Vikings
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Green Bay Packers
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Washington Commanders
We broke down why Washington might want to avoid the No. 7 seed. Whoever becomes the seventh seed will have to travel to Detroit or Philadelphia in January. The Lions and Eagles look like the clear favorites in the NFC, ahead of the rest of the field.
So how can the Commanders move up from seventh place to a higher seed? Well, things started off well on Thursday night when the Lions beat the Packers. The loss dropped Green Bay to 9-4 – just one game ahead of Washington.
First, the Commanders need their closest competition for the seventh seed to lose, but they might need help from the teams ahead of them. Washington is currently 2.5 games behind Philadelphia in the NFC East. Although they have one head-to-head matchup left, it’s hard to see the Eagles losing enough games for the Commanders to catch up.
Which teams should Washington fans support in Week 14?
Here is the Commanders’ Week 14 rooting guide:
Lions vs. Packers
Mission accomplished as Detroit beat Green Bay 34-31 on Thursday.
Falcons vs. Vikings
Atlanta is a game and a half behind the Commanders in the Wild Card bracket, but is currently atop the NFC South, ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So yeah, as much as you’d like to see the Falcons lose, Washington is playing them in a few weeks. Meanwhile, a loss at Minnesota would put the Commanders just two games out of fifth place.
Panthers versus Eagles
Yes, it’s not happening, but Washington fans will still root for the Eagles.
The raiders versus the buccaneers
The Bucs beat the Commanders in Week 1. Since then, a lot has changed and Tampa could become NFC South champions. The Buccaneers are currently playing better football than the Falcons. However, the Commanders would like to see the Bucs fall further down the NFC pecking order.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals
This one is difficult. These teams are fighting for the NFC West. Washington destroyed Arizona this season. Someone has to win the division, so the commanders have to hope the Cardinals fall further back in the Wild Card race.
Bills on rams
The Rams (6-6) also face the Cardinals and Seahawks for the NFC West title. Washington should want the AFC powerhouse Bills to push Los Angeles further into the playoffs.
Bear over 49 years old
Washington is 2.5 games ahead of the Niners (5-7), while the Bears are 4-8. Another loss for the 49ers would all but end their season, which was not what anyone expected back in July.
This article was originally published on Commanders Wire: Commanders Week 14 Rooting Guide
