Schrager’s Cheat Sheet highlights the Washington Commanders’ impressive rise, the New York Giants’ disastrous win, and the Los Angeles Rams’ reliance on former teammates to secure their playoff spot.
Washington’s Amazing 2024
The Washington Commanders have turned a corner in 2024, transforming from a struggling franchise into a beacon of hope for fans. After years filled with challenges, the team has found its footing, largely thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, leading the Commanders to a commendable 7-2 home record, featuring thrilling victories including a Hail Mary, and crucial wins against rivals like the Eagles and Giants. The last time the Commanders achieved 11 wins was in 1991, the same year they celebrated a Super Bowl triumph.
Daniels has rightfully earned the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the success of the Commanders is also a testament to the collective effort of the supporting cast. General Manager Adam Peters made strategic moves by bringing in experienced players, enhancing the team’s overall performance. Key contributors like Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu have stepped up, while Olamide Zacheus and Jeremy McNichols have made significant impacts in crucial moments. With veterans like Marcus Mariota and former Chiefs linemen, the roster boasts a blend of youth and experience, ready to face any challenge ahead.
The Commanders are poised for the playoffs, unafraid of potential matchups against formidable opponents like the Eagles or the Rams. They have already proven their mettle against Philadelphia this season, and with Daniels’ homecoming in L.A., they are well-equipped to handle the pressure.
It has been a remarkable year for Washington, and the excitement may not be over yet.
Giants’ Disastrous Win
The New York Giants’ recent victory may have dire consequences for their future. While the win was significant for the team and its supporters, it may have derailed their plans to secure a top-tier quarterback in the upcoming draft. Instead of positioning themselves for the first overall pick, they now face uncertainty as they prepare for April.
In just one game, the Giants shifted from a favorable draft position to a complicated scenario. They now depend on other teams’ results in Week 18 to improve their standing. The excitement of the win may have brought joy to the players and coaches, but it complicates the franchise’s long-term strategy. Star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, once a potential fit for New York, may now find himself considering teams like Cleveland or Nashville instead.
Rams Get Help From Old Friends
The Los Angeles Rams needed a specific set of outcomes from three out of five games to secure their playoff berth and division title. Remarkably, they got the assistance they required, with the Vikings, Commanders, and Bills all emerging victorious. This outcome allowed the Rams to avoid a must-win situation against the Seahawks.
Former Rams players played pivotal roles in these victories. Dante Fowler Jr. excelled for the Commanders, while Von Miller made his mark for the Bills. Cam Akers, another key figure from the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team, contributed significantly to the Vikings’ success against the Packers. Additionally, several coaches from Sean McVay’s coaching tree, including Zac Taylor and Kevin O’Connell, were instrumental in ensuring the Rams’ playoff hopes remained alive.
Stat of the Week
In an impressive feat, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has scored 40 touchdowns this season, marking the first time in NFL history a player has achieved five consecutive seasons with 40 or more touchdowns.
Peter Schrager is an NFL Insider for FOX Sports and a host of “Good Morning Football” on NFL Network. Follow him on Twitter at @PSchrags.
