The Washington Commanders hit the road for Week 16 with a trip across the country to face the San Francisco 49ers. The team may not say it, but this is a must-win game for Washington.
After blowing opportunities the last two weeks to pick up at least one win over the New York Giants, the Commanders now find themselves barely holding onto the No. 7 and final NFC playoff spot with three games remaining. Washington may control its own destiny but faces a difficult path to the playoffs.
That difficult path begins with the 49ers, who are 10-4 and have won seven consecutive games. Despite injuries to their top two quarterbacks, the 49ers continue to win with seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy under center.
What can the Commanders do to pull off the upset on Christmas Eve?
Here are keys to a Washington victory over the 49ers.