How can the Commanders clinch a playoff berth in Week 17?

The Washington Commanders are close to the playoffs. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs in Week 17.

The Washington Commanders are on the verge of a playoff spot for the first time since the 2020 season.

Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons could prove critical in that chase, but the Commanders may have at least clinched a playoff spot by the time that game kicks off.

Here is how the Commanders can reach the postseason here in Week 17.

Commanders playoff berth clinching scenarios

The Commanders have two different pathways to clinching a playoff spot here in Week 17.

The easiest? Take care of business against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. With either a win or a tie against the Falcons in tonight’s game, the Commanders have clinched a playoff berth.

However, there is a way for Washington to have clinched a playoff spot before that game even begins. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers during the 1:00 p.m. Eastern window, and if the Buccaneers lose or tie in that game, then Washington is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, even if they lose to Atlanta tonight.

Thanks to their win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week, the Commanders are still alive when it comes to the NFC East title race. However, they will need to win both their remaining games (Sunday against the Falcons, and in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys) to remain in contention. Then they would need the Eagles to lose their last two games as well. Philadelphia plays Dallas in the early window on Sunday, and then Philadelphia takes on the Giants in Week 18.

So while the Commanders may be eliminated from division title contention when the early games go final on Sunday — with an Eagles win over Dallas — they might have still clinched a playoff spot before they play tonight, provided the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers.

NFC standings heading into Sunday

1. x-Detroit Lions (13-2, win over MIN, 9-1 NFC)
2. x-Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6, win over SEA, 6-5 NFC)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7, wins over TB)

5. x-Minnesota Vikings (13-2, loss to DET)
6. x-Green Bay Packers (11-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)

9. Seattle Seahawks (9-7, 6-6 NFC)
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7, losses to ATL, 6-4 NFC)
10. Dallas Cowboys (7-8, 5-5 NFC) — eliminated
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-9, 3-6 NFC) — eliminated
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-9, win over DAL) — eliminated
13. New Orleans Saints (5-10) — eliminated
14. Carolina Panthers (4-11, loss to CHI) — eliminated
15. Chicago Bears (5-11, win over CAR) — eliminated
16. New York Giants (2-13) — eliminated

Teams with an x have clinched a playoff berth.