Commanders could push ahead for first winning season since 2015

The Washington Commanders are on track for their first winning season since 2015. 

In 2015, the Commanders had a different name, Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III as quarterbacks on their roster, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay as the offensive coordinator and pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan as the face of the defense. 

A lot has changed for Washington since then, but the team's 5-5 record after a surprise defeat of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night has momentum swinging the Commanders' way. 

A lot of that is on quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who is 3-1 as a starter for Washington this season since taking over for quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz struggled to do much of anything for the Commanders while under center, with Heinicke unlocking more of the passing game for the team. 

Running back Brian Robinson has also helped add power to the rushing attack, and wideout Terry McLaurin is feasting more with Heinicke throwing him the ball. He hauled in 128 yards on eight receptions during Monday's win against Philly. 

The NFC East is the most competitive division in the NFC at present, with all four teams making cases to push for the playoffs. Philadelphia is still in the driver's seat for the division crown, but the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are both in the playoffs at the moment. 

Washington has a winnable game against the Houston Texans on Sunday before taking on the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 27 and the Giants on Dec. 4 before a late bye week. 

If the team can keep a team like the Eagles on its toes, it stands to wonder if three teams from the NFC East could snag the three free-for-all playoff spots in the conference. 

At the very least, head coach Ron Rivera could notch his first winning season at the helm of Washington's football team, and the team's first in quite some time.