The Washington Football Team, despite parting ways with its quarterback, suffering consecutive losses, and holding a mediocre 6-9 record, will secure a spot in the NFL Playoffs if they secure a victory.
The WFT has had a peculiar season, managing to secure a spot in the postseason despite their struggles. This unexpected success can be attributed to the NFC East’s overall weakness, with Washington currently sharing the divisional lead with the Dallas Cowboys (6-9) as they approach the final game of the 2020 NFL season.
Washington will be on the road this Sunday night (8:20 p.m. on NBC) as they face off against the Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1), who are currently in last place.
The NFL Playoffs for Washington can be summarized in one straightforward statement: If they win, they secure a spot.
Despite suffering consecutive losses to the Seattle Seahawks (20-15) and Carolina Panthers (20-13), they would still secure a spot in the postseason. This accomplishment is noteworthy considering their underwhelming record and the turmoil surrounding their quarterback situation, which was further exacerbated by the recent dismissal of 2019 No. 1 draft pick Dwayne Haskins Jr. due to a second violation of COVID-19 protocols.
As we approach NFL Week 17, Washington, the New York Giants, and the Dallas Cowboys are all still in the running.
As the regular season draws to a close, this weekend stands out for its unparalleled excitement and unpredictability.
Which NFC East Team Goes to NFL Playoffs?
Only one team in the NFC East, the Eagles, became ineligible for the playoffs just last week, leaving three teams still in contention for a playoff spot.
Although the division has had a dreadful season, it’s worth noting that it has been quite competitive, don’t you think?
Interestingly, Washington, Dallas, and New York may all finish the season with a record of 6-10. Coincidentally, the Giants will be hosting the Cowboys on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Giants are expected to win by 3 points in this matchup.
What are the possible playoff scenarios for the NFC East?
Below is a convenient chart showcasing the different options available:
| SCENARIO 1 | SCENARIO 2 | SCENARIO 3 | SCENARIO 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAS @ PHI winner | Washington | Washington | Philadelphia | Philadelphia |
| DAL @ NYG winner | Dallas | New York Giants | Dallas | New York Giants |
| DIVISION CHAMP | WASHINGTON | WASHINGTON | DALLAS | NEW YORK GIANTS |
In the event that Washington defeats Philadelphia and New York triumphs over Dallas, Washington will emerge as the division winner with an impressive 7-9 record, surpassing all other NFC East teams.
In the scenario where both Washington and Dallas secure victories, ending their seasons with a 7-9 record, Washington would triumph in the division and advance to the playoffs. This outcome is primarily attributed to Washington’s superiority over Dallas in their head-to-head encounters this season, granting them the tiebreaker and securing their spot in the playoffs.
If Washington loses and New York wins, the Giants will become the NFC East champions. In this situation, Washington, New York, and Dallas will all have records of 6-10. However, New York will secure the tiebreaker due to its superior head-to-head record against its division rivals. New York will have a 3-1 record against the other two teams, while Washington will have a 2-2 record and the Cowboys will have a 1-3 record.
Put simply, a Washington victory guarantees their spot, while the champion of the NYG vs. DAL game will become the NFC East champions if Washington loses.
Washington vs. Philadelphia Odds
Regarding the Washington vs. Eagles match, the Eagles, playing at home, were considered 2-point underdogs as of Tuesday afternoon. Initially, Philadelphia was favored by 4 points, but the line shifted by six points due to a significant amount of bets being placed on Washington.
The moneyline odds for the Washington Football Team were -130, meaning you had to bet $130 to win $100. On the other hand, Philadelphia had odds of +110, implying that you could bet $100 to win $110.
In terms of the overall figure, it initially started at a remarkably low 42. Nevertheless, by Tuesday afternoon, it had risen to a range of 42.5 to 43.5 at most sportsbooks.
The uncertainty surrounding Washington’s quarterback position is undoubtedly the biggest unknown factor for gamblers. Following Dwayne Haskins’ departure, head coach Ron Rivera is anticipated to opt for Alex Smith as the starter. Smith’s inspiring comeback from a devastating leg injury in 2018 was unfortunately halted in Week 14 due to a calf injury, adding to the unpredictability.
Should Smith fail to be prepared, Taylor Heinicke, the third-stringer, will be placed in a crucial situation where winning becomes imperative.
Other Week 17 games of note to Virginia
Virginia football fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of games in NFL Week 17 featuring their other beloved teams.
Baltimore Ravens (-11.5) at Cincinnati Bengals
Although the NFC North championship is no longer within reach, there is still a chance for the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) to clinch a playoff wild card spot. They can secure this spot by defeating their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-1), in Ohio on Sunday (1 p.m., Fox). The Ravens have been performing exceptionally well in their recent four-game winning streak, consistently putting up high scores. Initially, Baltimore was favored by 13.5 points, but the line has since dropped to 11.5 as of Tuesday. Additionally, the total has shifted from 43.5 to 44.5.
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (+6.5)
On Sunday at 4:25 p.m., the Carolina Panthers (5-10) will aim to disrupt the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints (11-4) as they host them. After securing a 20-13 victory against Washington last week, QB Teddy Bridgewater hopes to continue his success and provide first-year head coach Matt Rhule with some positive momentum for the upcoming season. Despite being considered a 6.5-point underdog by most books, Carolina remains determined. The total initially started at 51 but has decreased to 48 as of Tuesday.
Tennessee Titans (-7.5) at Houston Texans
Following a devastating loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Tennessee Titans, who currently lead the AFC South with a record of 10-5, will travel to Texas to face the Houston Texans, who hold a 4-11 record. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. and will be broadcasted on CBS. The Titans, led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, were favored by 7.5 points against the Texans as of Tuesday. The betting range for the total score was between 56 and 56.5 at most sportsbooks. Despite their strong chances of making the NFL Playoffs in various scenarios, the Titans are expected to bring their utmost motivation to this matchup.
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