For the 9-5 Washington Commanders, a win on Sunday would be ideal for the purposes of making a statement against the 12-2 Philadelphia Eagles while earning divisional rivalry bragging rights.
With some help around the league, though, there's a chance it could have even bigger implications in regards to the playoffs.
There are three different scenarios in which the Commanders could leave Week 16 with a playoff spot wrapped up, and in fact, one of them wouldn't even require a win. If Washington and the Eagles tie, and none of the following teams -- the Atlanta Falcons (7-7), Arizona Cardinals (7-7), Los Angeles Rams (8-6) and Seattle Seahawks (8-6) -- win, the Commanders are in.
With a win, it gets slightly easier for Washington. They'd still need the Falcons to lose or tie, and either the Rams or Seahawks to also lose or tie. Washington would be three games ahead of the Falcons in that scenario with two weeks left, and two ahead of Seattle and Los Angeles. However, since those two teams play each other in Week 18, the loser would be unable to catch the Commanders in the Wild Card race.
A Falcons loss this week seems unlikely as they play the 2-12 New York Giants at home, although it will be hard to predict with rookie Michael Penix, Jr. making his first start following Kirk Cousins' benching. The Rams are also favorites against the 4-10 New York Jets on the road.
Seattle could have a tougher time, playing at home against the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings with starting QB Geno Smith's health in question. A Seahawks loss might be the most beneficial external scenario of all for the Commanders, who would be guaranteed to stay at least a game ahead in the Wild Card race regardless of their own result.
NFL.com gives Washington an 85 percent chance to make the field as it currently stands, which would rise to 94 with a win and drop to a still-respectable 77 with a loss. In the best case, though, it could climb all the way to 100.
