As we enter the final 3 months of the NFL regular season the Washington Commanders, after a 1-4 start, are 5-5 and one spot out of the wildcard race. After a rough start it looked like the Commanders should just focus on staying healthy and try to get a top draft pick. But after Taylor Heinicke got the starting QB spot from an injured Carson Wentz, the Commanders have looked like a whole new team.

In week 3 the Commanders hosted the Philadelphia Eagles and were completely dominated. Carson Wentz was sacked a total of 9 times while Jalen Hurts threw for 340 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in a 24-8 triumph over the Commanders. 7 weeks later they took on the 8-0 Eagles who have been dominating the NFL and have yet to trail in the second half this season. The  Commanders took on the 8-0 Eagles on Monday Night Football, the whole world is expecting another dominating display from the Eagles. But the Commanders pulled off a shock and took down the Eagles 32-21 forcing 4 turnovers, more than Eagles had in 9 weeks prior. 

With 8 weeks remaining in the NFL season, the commanders are 1 game out of the final wildcard spot behind the 5-4 49ers. After the upset against the Eagles the Commanders feel they can beat anyone. With Chase Young making his season debut and Jahan Dotson returning from IR everything is going right for the Commanders. The Commanders take on the 49ers Week 16 which could be for the final wildcard spot.

Senior Darian Simpkins, when asked if he felt confident in the Commanders taking the final wildcard spot, said “I am very confident considering that Chase young is coming back and our receiving core is garishly the best in the NFC, also our defense is picking up and will only get better in the next few weeks.”

Oakland Mills Senior Justin Martin when asked if he thinks the Commanders can take the final wildcard spot said “I think we have a good chance of finishing the season strong and taking the wildcard spot. The fit of Taylor at QB is mid but it works for the offense, since we have true explosive weapons at every skill position. Chase Young returning should help our defense because the increased pressure should make up for our weak secondary.”

The Commanders will look to continue this positive momentum this weekend, as they take on the 1-7-1 Houston Texans. With Taylor Heinicke favored to start the Commanders will look to build on their big win last week and continue to push towards that last wildcard spot.