The Commanders had a bye in Week 14, the last possible week this year. While the start of the season was a grind, hopefully, the time off helped to refresh and recharge Washington so that it could make a playoff push.
On Sunday, the Commanders escaped New Orleans with a 20-19 win, as the Saints couldn't convert on a two-point conversion with no time on the clock. As a result, Washington now has a 9-5 record and remains in second place in the NFC East, but three games behind the Eagles.
The NFC playoff race is competitive. Despite having nine wins, Washington has the No. 7 seed, with a one-game lead over the Seahawks and sitting just one game behind the Packers.
Here is an updated look at the Commanders' playoff picture after Week 15's win against the Saints.
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Commanders playoff picture
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Lions | 12-2 |
| 2. | Eagles | 12-2 |
| 3. | Buccaneers | 8-6 |
| 4. | Rams | 8-6 |
| 5. | Vikings | 11-2 |
| 6. | Packers | 10-4 |
| 7. | Commanders | 9-5 |
| 8. | Seahawks | 8-6 |
| 9. | Cardinals | 7-7 |
| 10. | Falcons | 6-7 |
Seven teams will make the playoffs from the NFC. The No. 1 overall seed will receive a bye in the first round, with the top four seeds representing the division winners and automatically qualifying for the playoffs regardless of record. The 2-4 seeds will host the 5-7 seeds in the Wild Card round, with the latter three teams making the playoff field as an at-large team.
With the Commanders' win, the Eagles can't clinch the division title in Week 15. Washington will host Philly next week, and a loss there would give the Eagles the NFC East.
The Commanders currently control their destiny. If they win out, they will make the postseason. If they lose any of their next three games, they will likely still need some outside help to make the field. Washington last made the playoffs in 2020 but lost to Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 15
Commanders remaining schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | vs. Eagles |
| 17 | vs. Falcons |
| 18 | at Cowboys |
Washington's toughest matchup comes in Week 16. The Commanders played the Eagles close on the road in Week 11 but lost 26-18. If Washington needs a win next week to keep Philadelphia from clinching the division.
Even if the Commanders lose in Week 16, they end the season with an easier schedule. Atlanta has been struggling, and even though Dallas beat Washington in Week 12, that is a very winnable game, especially if the Commanders are motivated by needing a win to make the playoffs.
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Commanders updated playoff chances
Per ESPN's NFL Football Power Index, the Commanders have a 90.3% of making the playoffs after the win. This is the lowest among current at-large teams, but Washington is well ahead of the second-place NFC West team and second-place NFC South team (currently the Seahawks and Falcons, respectively).
