We are now getting into the crunch time in the NFL, where playoff contenders start to jockey for spots in the postseason, and those who have no business being there are looking towards the future and trying to figure out which draft pick they might own come April.
For the Washington Football Team, and everyone else in the NFC East for that matter, there is a strange scenario where they might be focused on both things. With all four teams tied at 3 in the win column, each squad is equally as close to the playoff as they are to a spot picking in the top five of the NFL Draft. This past week offered a lot of movement in the division standings, with the Eagles taking an L, while both the Cowboys and Washington found ways to win.
It also caused quite a shift in USA TODAY’s NFL Power Rankings, where Washington took a decent step forward after securing the 20-9 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, moving up four spots to No. 25.
This game, for better or worse, is going to be remembered for the brutal injury suffered by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. But there is a chance – a chance – it could also be remembered as the start of Washington’s run to the playoffs.
Sure that sounds crazy, but consider this fact. With the Philadelphia Eagles losing on Sunday and the New York Giants on a bye week, Washington pulled to within a half-game of the division-leading Eagles with their 20-9 victory over the visiting Bengals. As we pointed out last week, both the Giants and the Eagles face difficult games over the next few weeks, with Philadelphia facing a particularly tough slate.
Offensively, it was a mixed bag for Washington. Alex Smith completed 17 of 25 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, but he did throw an interception in the first half that resulted in a Bengals’ touchdown on their ensuing possession. Antonio Gibson led the way for the Washington ground attack, notching 94 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
Could this team somehow sneak into the playoffs by winning this putrid division? It’s 2020. So, yeah.
It’s also interesting to note that Washington is the second-highest rated NFC East team in the rankings, trailing only the Giants (19) while the Cowboys (26) and Eagles (27) trail behind. But who’s counting, right?
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