The Washington Commanders gave their playoff hopes a substantial boost with their dramatic victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, they must finish the job.
There are incredibly high stakes attached to Washington's regular-season home finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Dan Quinn's squad will officially confirm their postseason spot. They could even rise into the sixth seed depending on how the Green Bay Packers fare versus the Minnesota Vikings.
It's been a memorable ride up to this point. The Commanders are way ahead of schedule and have accumulated 10 wins for the first time in decades. A monumental achievement is firmly within their grasp. They can leave no doubt on Sunday Night Football this weekend.
The Falcons are also fighting for involvement in the knockout rounds. They took back control of the NFC South with a victory over the New York Giants. A win in this one would clinch the division crown.
Washington will be striving with everything they have to ensure that doesn't happen.
Commanders vs. Falcons game details
- Date: Sunday, December 29
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- TV channel: NBC
Commanders vs. Falcons early odds for Week 17
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 4.5-point favorites at home to the Falcons in Week 17.
- Washington -4.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Atlanta +4.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Anyone who thinks Quinn's men will rise to the occasion and cement their postseason status can bet the Commanders' money line at -200 currently (bet $200 to win $100). The Falcons are underdogs at +168 (bet $100 to win $168), which would be a significant blow to the NFC South team's playoff chances.
FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a mildly entertaining encounter with the over/under set at 47.5 points.
- Over 47.5 points: -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
- Under 47.5 points: -118 (bet $118 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders vs. Falcons prediction for Week 17
The Commanders will be brimming with confidence after beating the Eagles. However, they cannot take the Falcons lightly given their talent on both sides of the football.
Containing running back Bijan Robinson is a good place to start. The second-year pro is starting to firmly establish himself as an elite weapon. He's explosive and elusive in equal measure, which is a tricky conundrum for defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to solve.
Rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. was solid if not spectacular during his first NFL start in Week 16. The Giants' problems are well documented, so going on the primetime stage versus a playoff hopeful within a raucous atmosphere might lead to nervy mistakes the Commanders must take advantage of.
Washington has no such concerns with Jayden Daniels. The signal-caller is driving his team forward with his customary determination and high-quality production in key moments. They'll be leaning on this more than ever before to make their playoff dreams a reality.
- Prediction: Commanders win
It's unlikely to be a walkover in a pressure-cooker environment with expectations high. But the Commanders have more than enough to dispose of Atlanta for their 11th triumph as the curtain comes down on their commitments at Northwest Stadium.
