Washington Commanders Edge Saints 20-19

The Washington Commanders secured a narrow 20-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, maintaining their playoff hopes with a 9-5 record and clinching their first winning season since 2016. Jayden Daniels delivered a strong performance, connecting with Terry McLaurin for two touchdowns, while the Commanders' defense initially stifled the Saints' offense. However, the second half raised concerns, especially after a late-game official's error allowed the Saints to score and nearly tie the game with a failed two-point conversion attempt by rookie Spencer Rattler. The Commanders' nine penalties and eight allowed sacks highlighted persistent issues that may hinder their playoff aspirations. The Saints, despite the loss, showed resilience in their comeback attempt, prompting discussions about their future rebuilding plans. Both teams are navigating significant challenges, with the Commanders looking to solidify their newfound success and the Saints seeking to recover from a disappointing season.