The Washington Commanders (4-6) have seven games remaining on their 2023 schedule. The final stretch of the season begins Sunday with a rematch against the New York Giants (2-8).
Washington has blown some winnable games during the first 10 weeks of the season. The Commanders had the Eagles on the ropes twice and almost beat the Seahawks on the road last week. But Washington has also lost games to the Giants and Bears.
No game is easy in the NFL. The Commanders do have some difficult matchups over the final seven weeks, five of which are teams contending for a playoff spot, including four games against three of the NFL’s top teams.
We rank each of the final seven games from easiest to most difficult.
Week 11 vs. New York Giants
The Giants have had Washington’s number recently. This will not be an easy game, regardless of how much the Commanders are favored. But this is an opportunity for Washington, facing an undrafted rookie QB making his second career start.
Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are never an easy game. This version of the Rams is rebuilding, but Los Angeles still has Sean McVay, Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Rupp. Additionally, this game is on the West Coast, which is always tricky for East Coast teams. However, the Commanders almost beat a much better Seattle team on the road last week.
Week 16: at New York Jets
The Jets’ offense is bad. Quarterback Zach Wilson should represent an opportunity for Washington’s struggling defense to get some sacks and turnovers. However, New York’s defense is championship-level good. This game will be a low-scoring one. The Jets will be a huge test for quarterback Sam Howell.
Week 18: vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are an excellent team. But facing Dallas in the regular-season finale with likely nothing on the line — much like last season — gives the Commanders an excellent shot at a win.
Week 13: Miami Dolphins
This is where it gets complicated. I could put the Dolphins as the most difficult. Their offense against Washington’s defense is scary for the Commanders. I believe Washington’s offense can move the ball and score against the Dolphins. However, Miami is too good and will score over 30 in this one.
Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys
The Commanders will be competitive against the Cowboys in Week 12. The bad news is Washington is playing four days after meeting the Giants. Remember what happened earlier this season when the Commanders played a Thursday night game? They were blown out by the lowly Bears. The Cowboys are one of the NFL’s top teams and are playing on Thanksgiving. That’s bad news for Washington.
Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are a loaded team and a bad matchup for the Commanders. I see Washington having issues moving the ball against the 49ers and San Francisco having no issues scoring 30 or more against the Commanders. This is also Chase Young’s revenge game, meaning there will be plenty of mention involved as he makes his return to FedEx Field. The Niners are back on track after last week’s blowout win in Jacksonville.
