Commanders at Saints: How to watch, odds, expert picks as Washington chases playoffs

It’s Week 15, and not only are the Washington Commanders in the playoff picture, but they are also sizable road favorites for Sunday’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints. That shows how quickly things have turned around under first-year head coach Dan Quinn.

How to watch Commanders at Saints

Washington (8-5) comes out of the bye with a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Rams for the final wild-card spot in the NFC. The Commanders can’t clinch a postseason spot this week, but a victory would ensure the franchise’s first winning season since 2016.

Quinn’s team also has the benefit of catching New Orleans (5-8) right after the team suffered another key injury. Already down their top two wide receivers and the versatile Taysom Hill, the Saints will be missing quarterback Derek Carr as well. Carr broke his non-throwing hand in last week’s win over the New York Giants and was placed in concussion protocol after the game.

Carr’s health concerns mean interim head coach Darren Rizzi will turn to Jake Haener, who has yet to start a game in the NFL. Fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who went 0-3 when Carr missed time earlier this season.

For Washington, the hope is that the bye gave rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a chance to take a break and reset. After a red-hot start, the No. 2 overall pick’s numbers have leveled off somewhat, including throwing an interception in three straight games. He had just two in his first 10 career starts.

It may take a drive or two for Daniels and the offense to find their footing following the bye, but the Commanders should have success against a New Orleans defense that ranks 30th overall in total yards allowed. Daniels does need to be wary of the turnovers, though. The Saints have more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes allowed (12).