New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) in front of offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. (72) during overtime at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders back in playoff picture with Giants loss

The New York Giants losing in a 48-20 rout to the Philadelphia Eagles means good news for fellow NFC East rival Washington: the Commanders are back in the playoffs.

Both the Giants and Commanders have a 7-5-1 record on the year, with their tie coming against each other last weekend. Washington currently owns the tiebreaker between the two as they have the better record within the division (1-2-1).

Unless they manage to tie again, whoever wins next Sunday's matchup between Washington and New York will own the tiebreaker should they end the year with the same record. 

Both teams also currently sit even with the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) in the Wild Card race, though that will change after the Seahawks conclude their game against the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions have been red hot in recent weeks, having won five of their last six to improve to 6-7. 

The Lions beat both the Commanders and Giants earlier in the year and own the tiebreaker if needed. That is unlikely, though, as it would mean Detroit would have to have a game end in a tie themselves.

As it stands right now, FiveThirtyEight.com gives the Commanders a 70% chance to make the playoffs.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Insider names frontrunner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win
Giannis Antetokounmpo rips Tyrese Haliburton's father for 'disrespectful' act
Celtics make unique NBA playoff history in Game 5 win
How Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers saga will end
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Watch: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton eliminate the Bucks in OT
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes advance, panic time for Maple Leafs
Jayson Tatum's historic game helps send Celtics to Eastern Conference semis
Pirates ace Paul Skenes explains why he's not concerned about potential injuries
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
49ers sign star TE to four-year extension
Spurs' Stephon Castle runs away with Rookie of the Year Award
Kings to make Doug Christie new head coach in full-circle moment

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.