LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - The Washington Football Team has not reached the NFL's postseason since 2015. That streak could end Sunday afternoon.
Entering Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season, Washington holds a one-game lead in the NFC East division. At 6-and-8, the Burgundy and Gold lead the New York Giants (5-and-9) and Dallas Cowboys (5-and-9). The Philadelphia Eagles sit at 4-9-and-1. Therefore, Washington controls its own destiny on the path to the postseason.
This means, the division title could be wrapped-up as early as Sunday December 27th.
Here's how it can happen:
Should Washington defeat Carolina (4:05 p.m. on News 3) and New York lose to or tie Baltimore (1 p.m. on FOX) Sunday, Washington is the champion of the NFC East division and will host a playoff game the weekend of January 9th/10th. In this scenario, Week 17 games would have zero impact on the NFC East division race. Washington could, in theory, rest all of its key players to be ready for the NFC Wild Card Game the following week.
If Washington loses to the Panthers Sunday, no matter what happens with the Giants vs. Baltimore - the division title will be up for grabs entering Week 17.
Currently, all four teams in the NFC East are mathematically alive for the division title. However, the loser of Sunday's Eagles vs. Cowboys game (4:25 p.m.) is eliminated from contention. (A tie only eliminates the Eagles, though.)
If the Eagles and Cowboys tie, Washington could clinch the NFC East title with a tie of its own vs. Carolina - but only if the Giants lose.
