There are three weeks left in the 2024 season, but if the playoffs started today, the Washington Commanders would be one of the seven NFC teams competing for a Super Bowl appearance.

The Commanders outperformed the expectations of several national analysts by going 7-2 to start the first year of the Adam Peters-Dan Quinn era. With three games remaining on their schedule, they have secured their first winning record since 2016 with a 9-5 record.

**The New York Times’ playoff simulator** gives them a 91% chance of making the postseason right now, and that number will only increase if they keep winning games.

Let's look at where the playoff picture stands heading into Week 16.

Division leaders

No. 1 Detroit Lions (12-2)

The Lions battled back from a 35-14 deficit against the Buffalo Bills but still suffered their first loss in nearly three months, despite Jared Goff throwing for nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns. The Lions have the No. 1 seed for now but will need to hold off the Philadelphia Eagles for the coveted first-round bye.

Next opponents: Lions, 49ers, Vikings

No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)

The Eagles continue to roll after a 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, locking up their 10th consecutive victory. Running back Saquon Barkley was held to just 65 yards on 19 carries, but wide receiver A.J. Brown picked up the slack with 110 yards on eight catches with a touchdown. The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Commanders.

Next opponents: Commanders, Cowboys, Giants

No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)

The Buccaneers routed the Los Angeles Chargers over the weekend, 40-17, and look to be in the driver's seat of the NFC South for now. Mike Evans had nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns, bringing him closer to getting his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season.

Next opponents: Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

No. 4 Los Angeles Rams (8-6)

The Rams have become one the league's hottest teams, having won their last three games and seven of their last nine. What impressive is how they've managed to win games. Two weeks ago, they emerged from a shootout with a 44-42 win over the Buffalo Bills and followed that up with an ugly but physical 12-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Assuming they manage to get into the postseason, they'll be a team that no one wants to play.

Next opponents: Jets, Cardinals, Seahawks

Wild Card

No. 5 Minnesota Vikings (12-2)

The division is now within reach for the Vikings after their victory over the Rams and the Lions' loss to the Bills. They'll have three difficult games to close out the season, including a road game against the Lions in Week 18. If both teams stay on their current courses, that could be for the NFC North crown, and possibly the No. 1 seed.

Next opponents: Seahawks, Packers, Lions

No. 6 Green Bay Packers (10-4)

The Packers took care of business on the road against the Seahawks, and the infamous "12th man" at Lumen Field didn't have much to cheer for in a 30-13 win. Jordan Love was efficient with 20 completions and two touchdowns that night, and Josh Jacobs kept the chains moving with 94 yards on 26 carries. The Packers can clinch a playoff berth with:

• A win/tie over the Saints
• OR a Seahawks loss/tie AND a Falcons loss/tie
• OR a Rams loss/tie AND a Falcons loss/tie

No. 7 Washington Commanders (9-5)

The Commanders are in a good spot to lock up their first playoff appearance since 2020, but obstacles remain in their path. That starts with their matchup against the Eagles, who are flying high after a convincing win over the Steelers. Their last matchup, a 26-18 loss on Thursday Night Football, was even closer than the score would indicate, as the Commanders had a lead until the fourth quarter. This matchup could be different at Northwest Stadium with a healthier Brian Robinson Jr. in the backfield and Marshon Lattimore in the secondary. The Commanders can clinch a playoff berth this weekend with:

• A win over the Eagles AND a Falcons loss/tie AND a Seahawks loss/tie
• OR a win over the Eagles AND a Falcons loss/tie AND a Rams loss/tie
• OR a tie with the Eagles AND a Falcons loss AND a Cardinals loss/tie AND a Seahawks loss AND a Rams loss/tie
• OR a tie with the Eagles AND a Falcons loss AND a Cardinals loss/tie AND a Seahawks tie AND a Rams loss