NFC Playoff Picture: 3 teams that benefit the most from Seahawks loss
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera reacts to a call during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks suffered their seventh loss of the season in Week 15, and these three teams benefit the most.
In Week 15 of this NFL season, there are plenty of playoff implications. It just so happens that a playoff berth was clinched on Thursday Night Football.
The Seattle Seahawks had the chance to climb up the Wild Card standings and prevent the rival San Francisco 49ers from winning the NFC West crown. Instead, the Seahawks lost to the Brock Purdy-led 49ers by the score of 21-13. With that, Seattle is now on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, sitting even at 7-7.
With Seattle’s loss, that certainly benefits teams that are in the playoff hunt. Here are three teams that benefit the most from it.
NFC Playoff Picture: 3 teams that benefit the most from Seahawks loss, No. 3: Washington Commanders
What a run by the Washington Commanders. After starting off the year at 1-4, the Commanders went on a roll after going with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback. Now, they’re 7-5-1 on the season.
The tie happened back in Week 13, when they took on the New York Giants. That game was seemingly in the bag for the Giants, but the Commanders would force overtime on a touchdown pass from Heinicke to rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson, taking advantage of New York’s depleted secondary. No team could get on the scoreboard in the extra 10 minutes of playing time, and they were both given the tie.
This works out in the favor of the Commanders. The Week 15 edition of Sunday Night Football will feature the Commanders taking on the Giants in a rematch. Whoever wins this game will have a 1.5 game lead over the Seahawks with just three games remaining. A playoff berth won’t officially be clinched, but they will be in the driver’s seat of earning it. However, they do have to contend with the 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys to finish out their campaign. That’s not an easy stretch of games.
