Offering some spice for your NFL Red Zone watching this afternoon
On Thursday night, the Bills destroyed the Dolphins, but there are 15 games left in Week 2. Let’s look at a rooting guide for those 15 games from the perspective of a Commanders fan.
COMMANDERS GAME
NEW YORK GIANTS at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Both teams are 0-1 and fighting to restore order and avoid a loss of faith among fans. Daniel Jones is 5-1-1 all-time against Washington; now is the time to change that history and start a new era of Washington dominance in this rivalry. #raisehail
NFC EAST & DRAFT PICK WATCH
Per NFL Draft Rumors, Washington owns the following picks as a result of trades:
- 3rd round – Philadelphia (Jahan Dotson)
- 6th round – Saints (John Ridgeway)
- 7th round – 2 x Eagles (Jahan Dotson)
ATLANTA FALCONS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Not only are the Eagles hated division rivals, Washington owns 3 of Philly’s 2025 draft picks, including a third round pick. Root for the visitors to get the upset. Go (Dirty) Birds.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at DALLAS COWBOYS: Although Washington owns a 6th round pick from the Saints, the larger consideration here is the fact that the Cowboys are a team to be reviled. Root for the Saints.
NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
While a playoff berth seems like a distant possibility at the moment, at this early stage of the season, it hasn’t been ruled out. In this section, we’ll consider the implications of game outcomes on a potential NFC wildcard race.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS: In any wildcard scenario involving an inter-conference game, the decision is to back the AFC squad. Root for the Colts.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS: The 49ers are more likely to be a division winner than a wildcard candidate. Root for the Niners.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: AFC team over NFC team. Root for the Patriots.
LOS ANGELES RAMS at ARIZONA CARDINALS: Both teams are 0-1 and, at this point, it’s hard to say which is more likely to end up in a wildcard race. However, Washington plays the Cardinals this year, and beating Arizona would give the Commanders the first tie-breaker. At this point, I’d say to root for the Cardinals, but this is very nearly a pick’em.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at DETROIT LIONS: The Lions look like the favorite to win the NFC North at this point, while Tampa Bay is less of a lock to win the South. Tampa Bay owns the tie-breaker against the Commanders already, so the Bucs need to lose a lot of games. Root for the Lions.
CHICAGO BEARS at HOUSTON TEXANS: AFC team over NFC team. Root for the Texans.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at CAROLINA PANTHERS: For wildcard purposes, we always want the NFC team to lose to the AFC; however, it’s just as important that the Panthers are in No. 1 pick contention. Better to see them get it than the Giants getting it. (If you think Washington will be in contention for the #1 pick, then you’ll want to go the other way here). Root for the Chargers.
AFC-only games (with 2025 draft tie-breaker implications)
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS at BALTIMORE RAVENS: The Commanders play the Ravens in Week 6. If the strength of schedule tiebreaker were to come into play for 2025 draft position, then a Ravens loss here matters; a Raiders win does not. Root for the Raiders.
CLEVELAND BROWNS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Relying only on that same strength of schedule argument, with the Browns on the Commanders schedule in Week 5, a Browns loss matters while a Jags defeat does not. Root for the Jaguars.
NEW YORK JETS at TENNESSEE TITANS: Washington plays Tennessee this season, not the Jets (so, strength of schedule again). Root for the Jets.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at DENVER BRONCOS: The Commanders play the Steelers in Week 10. This is another ‘strength of schedule’ decision on an all-AFC game. Root for the Broncos.
CINCINNATI BENGALS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: You know the drill by now. We play the Bengals; we don’t play the Chiefs. Root for the Chiefs.