Washington Commanders' Chances to Make the Playoffs

Despite all of the distractions off of the field this season, the Washington Commanders have found a way to remain competitive in a crowded NFC East. In fact, the chances Commanders make the playoffs are relatively high, as they currently hold the final spot in the NFC Wild Card Standings. Let's discuss the Washington Commanders' playoff chances, betting odds, remaining schedule and playoff scenarios.

Washington Commanders Playoff Odds

If you believe in Washington, now could be the time to bet on the Commanders' playoff odds. Heading into the Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, they sit at 7-6-1. The Commanders' odds to make the playoffs are +205. This means a $100 bet would win $205, if Washington makes the NFL Playoffs.

Photo byBrad Mills/USA TODAY Sports

NFC Playoff Picture

The NFC Playoff picture is an interesting one, as all four NFC East teams are currently in the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders occupy all three spots in the NFC Wild Card Standings. Meanwhile, the NFC South is fully up for grabs, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have a one-game lead on the rest of the division.

Let's take a look at the NFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the NFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.

*clinched the NFL Playoffs

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)*
2. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)*
3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)*
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)*
6. New York Giants (8-5-1)
7. Washington Commanders (7-6-1)

Others in Wild Card Race | NFC Wild Card Standings

• Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
• Detroit Lions (7-7)
• Green Bay Packers (6-8)
• Carolina Panthers (5-9)
• New Orleans Saints (5-9)
• Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

Commanders Playoff Scenarios

At 7-6-1, the chances Commanders make the playoffs are very much in doubt. With no wins in December yet, Washington must right the ship quickly in order to stay the NFC Wild Card Standings.

According to FiveThirtyEight, the chances Commanders make the playoffs are 35%. Let's take a look at the Commanders' playoff scenarios to see how it affects the chances Commanders make the playoffs

This week, they have a tough road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. If they pull off the upset, the chances Commanders make the playoffs will rise to 65%. However, a loss drops them to 22%. If Washington loses this week, then defeats the Browns and Cowboys to end the season, the Commanders' chances to make the playoffs will be 81%.

If the Commanders lose to the 49ers and Cowboys, but defeat the Browns next week, the chances Commanders make the playoffs will be 19%. This, combined with a Seahawks loss to the Chiefs and Lions loss to the Packers still only give the Commanders a 34% chance to make the playoffs. It looks like Washington will need nine wins.

Washington Commanders Remaining Schedule

Can the Commanders make the playoffs? Washington's remaining schedule could provide some difficulties, but the Commanders' playoff chances aren't dead yet.

The matchup in NFL Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers provides issues. The 49ers may be the hottest team in football, and they present a difficult matchup. However, Washington pulling off an upset puts them in a great spot to make the playoffs.

After this week, the Commanders remaining schedule has them playing back-to-back home games against the Browns and Cowboys. There is a decent chance the Cowboys rest players in Week 18, with nothing to play for. The Browns, however, could be finding a groove with Deshaun Watson. At this point, Watson looks like he needs a massage and an offseason to get back up to speed.