Hey, Commanders fans, how closely have you looked at the NFL standings?
Yes, all of us in the DMV realize that the Commanders (6-2) have a one-half-game lead over the Eagles (5-2). In addition, we all realize this lead is only because Washington has played one more game thus far than Philadelphia.
Better, however, is looking at the NFC standings. There, you see Washington only behind the Detroit Lions (6-1). The Lions have not only been winning; they have been impressive in winning.
Seeing the top seven teams in both the AFC and NFC qualify for the playoffs, the four division winners will be seeded 1-4, with the three wild-card teams following in seeds 5-7.
Washington is currently the second-seeded NFC team. The other division leaders are the Falcons (third seed) and Cardinals (fourth seed). The three wild cards are currently the Packers (5 seed), Vikings (6 seed), and Eagles (7 seed).
Yes, that means, if the season concludes this way, the Commanders would host a playoff game at Northwest Stadium on the first weekend, and their opponent would be the Eagles.
Of course, Washington still must play five of its six divisional games. Haven’t the Eagles been really strong the last two weeks? Also, they must play the Steelers and Falcons, who are currently playoff teams.
The last two months of the season will be full of events as Washington plays nine more regular-season games. What should be the focus now?
The New York Giants.
Nothing else. The team cannot get ahead of themselves and think they will be the number two seed.
Nor can they bask in the ‘Hail Mary.’ They have had Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday to celebrate it. They must move on and be intense about their focus on each opponent, or they will find themselves losing more games than they should down the stretch.
Who knew we would be talking about such things after eight games?