The Washington Commanders (10-5) host the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) in the Week 17 edition of Sunday Night Football. It’s a game with playoff implications for both teams, but not for the same spot.
With two games remaining, the Commanders hold a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the final NFC Wild Card spot. If the Carolina Panthers beat the Bucs on Sunday afternoon, Washington will clinch a playoff spot before taking the field.
Atlanta is also battling Tampa Bay for a playoff spot, but it’s the NFC South. The teams are tied entering Sunday, with the Falcons holding the tie-breaker advantage.
Sunday’s battle between the Commanders and Falcons features an NFL first. Two rookie quarterbacks, both first-round picks, have never faced off as starters in a prime-time game. Jayden Daniels is the frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while Penix makes his second career start for Atlanta.
Washington is favored on Sunday night, but do the experts agree? According to NFL Pickwatch, 91% of those picking this week’s games believe the Commanders will win their fourth in a row and clinch a playoff spot.
Injuries are something to watch, as Washington ruled out five players for Sunday night, including cornerback Marshon Lattimore and right tackle Andrew Wylie.