The Washington Commanders are struggling right now. Washington dropped its seventh consecutive game on Sunday, losing 27-10 to the San Francisco 49ers. However, while fans may be struggling through another lost season, they could celebrate soon as the Commanders continue to move up in the 2024 NFL draft order.
Washington’s loss, coupled with the Arizona Cardinals’ upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles, moved the Commanders up from No. 4 to No. 2. Arizona was No. 2, and the New England Patriots were No. 3. Still, the strength of schedule pushed Washington into the No. 2 position with one week remaining.
Here’s a look at the current top five, with the Chicago Bears (from the Carolina Panthers) having already clinched the No. 1 overall pick:
- 1. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers (2-14)
- 2. Washington Commanders: 4-12
- 3. New England Patriots: 4-12
- 4. Arizona Cardinals: 4-12
- 5. New York Giants: 5-11
Right now, mere percentage points separate the Commanders and Patriots. Draft positioning goes by strength of schedule, and Washington holds a slight edge as of now. Here’s how close, courtesy of Tankathon.
SOS at the moment:
Commanders – 0.51481
Patriots – 0.51493— Tankathon.com (@tankathon) December 31, 2023
The only way for Washington to clinch the No. 2 overall pick next week is with a loss to the Cowboys and a Patriots’ win over the Jets. If both teams lose, well, it remains complicated. Tankathon does the math for us.
These are the games that matter for the Commanders and Patriots (NE fans should root for the opposite)https://t.co/0goHEVD9Qx pic.twitter.com/TK2mtqBxE5
— Tankathon.com (@tankathon) December 31, 2023
The Jets and Patriots play at 1:00 p.m. ET next week, with the Commanders and Cowboys playing at 4:25. The Patriots have played hard recently since benching quarterback Mac Jones, and legendary head coach Bill Belichick is chasing Don Shula for the most coaching wins of all-time, so don’t expect Belichick to tank for draft positioning next week.
