The Commanders' skid continued in devastating fashion in Week 12.
Washington dropped its third consecutive game on Sunday, falling 34-26 to the Cowboys in a crucial NFC East matchup at home. The Dak Prescott-less Dallas team went into Northwest Stadium in Landover and bested Jayden Daniels and company, dropping the Commanders to 7-5 on the season.
The Commanders nearly completed a miraculous comeback, as Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for an incredible 88-yard touchdown in the last minute, pulling the team within a point to even the score.
COMMANDERS 86-YARD TOUCHDOWN WOW
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
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However, Austin Seibert's errant extra-point attempt ended the chance to force overtime, as the score remained 27-26.
NO GOOD.
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
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A recovered onside kick for a touchdown resulted in scoreboard reading 34-26 in favor of Dallas by the end.
The Commanders are trending in the wrong direction at the wrong time. Washington started the season with an impressive record of 7-2. With Daniels at the helm of the offense, Dan Quinn's squad looked like a legitimate contender in the NFC East, contending with the Eagles for first place.
However, the Commanders extended their losing streak to three games in Week 12, dropping their second loss to a divisional doe in the process. The Commanders have another home matchup against the Titans next week before a bye in Week 14.
Washington entered the weekend holding on to the final wild-card spot in the conference while trailing Philadelphia by 1.5 games in the NFC East. How did the loss to Dallas impact their placement in the standings?
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Here's what the Commanders' playoff picture looks like after Sunday's loss to the Cowboys.
NFC East standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Eagles | 9-2 |
| 2. | Commanders | 7-5 |
| 3. | Cowboys | 4-7 |
| 4. | Giants | 2-9 |
Even after dropping the first of two matchups against the Cowboys, the Commanders still hold a solid lead over their rival in the standings. However, the gap between Washington and Philadelphia increased.
The Giants were blown out by the Buccaneers, dropping to 2-9 on the season. New York is well out of a playoff spot, and at this point, it's more involved in the race for the No. 1 pick
There is still a chance for the Commanders to catch the Eagles. The division's fate could be decided in Week 16 when Washington welcomes Philadelphia to the nation's capital.
MORE COWBOYS-COMMANDERS: Wild ending highlights | Cowboys playoff outlook
NFC playoff standings
as of Nov. 22. Top four seeds are divisional leaders
| Seed | Team | Rank |
| 1. | Lions | 10-1 |
| 2. | Eagles | 9-2 |
| 3. | Seahawks | 6-5 |
| 4. | Falcons | 6-5 |
| 5. | Vikings | 9-2 |
| 6. | Packers | 8-3 |
| 7. | Commanders | 7-5 |
| 8. | Cardinals | 6-5 |
| 9. | Rams | 5-6 |
| 10. | 49ers | 5-5 |
| 11. | Buccaneers | 5-6 |
| 12. | Saints | 4-7 |
| 13. | Bears | 4-7 |
| 14. | Cowboys | 4-7 |
| 15. | Panthers | 3-7 |
| 16. | Giants | 2-9 |
The good news for the Commanders is that even with the loss, their spot in the NFC standings does not change. No team was within a game of Washington, so the team remains in the No. 7 seed.
However, there are plenty of squads right on the tail of the Commanders. Three NFC West members are right in the thick of the postseason race, as well as the Buccaneers. If Washington does not right the ship soon, it could find itself outside the playoff picture by next week.
Commanders remaining schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 13 | vs. Titans |
| 14 | BYE |
| 15 | at Saints |
| 16 | vs. Eagles |
| 17 | vs. Falcons |
| 18 | at Cowboys |
