The Washington Redskins will miss the playoffs for the fourth time in the five-year Jay Gruden era and the 15th time since 2000.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ win Sunday, coupled with the Redskins’ loss on Saturday, mathematically eliminated Washington (7-8) from contention.
After upsetting the Rams last week, the Eagles pulled off another remarkable win with Nick Foles playing quarterback for the injured Carson Wentz. By beating the Houston Texans 32-30, they moved to 8-7.
Although Philadelphia plays at Washington in Week 17, all the Redskins could do would be to win that game and draw even at 8-8. That would split the season series with Philly, but the Eagles would win the tiebreaker on step No. 3, record against common opponents (6-6 versus 5-7).
Even if they end up in a three-way tie with another team, say Seattle or Carolina, this step still knocks Washington out first due to NFL tiebreaking procedures because the Eagles and Redskins are division rivals.
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Buccaneers 27-20 and clinched the division crown and a home game in the playoffs. The Redskins were already out of the NFC East title race after losing Saturday.
Not only have the Redskins only reached the postseason four times in the last 19 seasons, they’ve won just one playoff game this millennium.
In related news, Washington’s first-round draft pick in 2019 is expected to fall in the mid-to-late teens.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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