High Stakes Week 17 is a Familiar Spot For Washington Football Team

Back in 2012, when they were still the Redskins and RG3 was in the midst of his breakout rookie campaign, the Washington Football Team found themselves in a spot nearly identical to the 2020 team. That, of course, is getting ready for a Week 17 rivalry game on NBC’s Sunday Night Football with the NFC East title on the line.

In 2012, they had the Cowboys on the schedule. This year, it’s the Eagles. They handled business in 2012; the question is whether they can do the same this Sunday.

Washington is a slight two-point favorite over Philadelphia, according to Sports Betting Dime, despite being on the road. One big reason to believe they can wrap up the division is Philadelphia’s motivation (or lack thereof). The Eagles, unlike the Cowboys back in 2012, have already been bounced from the NFC East dogfight. Save for playing spoiler — and that’s even questionable considering a win could send the Cowboys to the postseason — and basic pride, the Birds don’t have much riding on the showdown.

If the Football Team ties Philadelphia on Sunday night, they’ll have needed the Giants to have beaten the Cowboys in their 1:00 p.m. ET game to advance. If the Football Team loses, the winner of the Giants-Cowboys game gets the crown and a home NFC playoff game.

Washington beat the Eagles in their first meeting this season, though this matchup has a whole different cast of characters, specifically at quarterback. Their first meeting, which was both team’s season opener, featured Carson Wentz vs. Dwayne Haskins. Neither are still the starting quarterback for their respective teams, and Haskins isn’t even on the team anymore. Rather, the Week 17 game will feature Jalen Hurts for Philadelphia and (likely) Alex Smith for Washington, which is another reason to believe WFT can repeat their 2012 formula. Smith gives the team their best chance to win.

Smith took first-team reps at practice this week after missing the team’s last two games with a calf injury (not the same leg, don’t worry). If by chance Smith can’t go, Taylor Heinicke will be under center. Heinicke only had 58 career pass attempts before relieving an atrocious Haskins last week against Carolina. To be fair, the ODU product played well and finished with a 102.3 passer rating.

Either signal-caller should also have an improved arsenal of weapons at their disposal; starting running back Antonio Gibson looks to be on track to play on Sunday and star wideout Terry McLaurin took a “positive step” in his recovery on Thursday. McLaurin, who has his first 1,000-yard season this year, missed last week’s game.

Among NFC East teams, Washington has the most direct path to the postseason; win and you’re in. They have done it before and it’s appearing like they’ll be in good position to repeat their success.