The Washington Commanders edged out the New Orleans Saints 20-19 on December 15, 2024, at Caesars Superdome, significantly boosting their playoff aspirations. The Commanders’ victory improved their record to 9-5, maintaining their grasp on the seventh seed in the NFC playoff race. Meanwhile, the Saints fell to 5-9, having shown signs of life but unable to capitalize when it mattered most.
From the start, the Commanders appeared to be the stronger team, scoring two quick touchdowns. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin twice in the first half, helping Washington build a commanding 14-0 lead by halftime. Daniel's strong performance included 25 completions on 31 attempts for 226 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his capacity as the starting quarterback after the bye week.
Even with the Commanders seemingly in control, the second half presented unexpected challenges. The Saints, led by rookie Spencer Rattler — who replaced Jake Haener after he struggled early — managed to rally, scoring two touchdowns and forcing some intense moments down the stretch. Rattler connected with tight end Foster Moreau for the final touchdown, pulling the Saints to within one point of Washington.
Rattler's confidence grew as he completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards, including his late touchdown pass attempt with the game on the line. Unfortunately for the Saints, their bid to steal the game unraveled with their two-point conversion attempt failing as Rattler’s throw was incomplete, sealing Washington's victory.
"It’s about perseverance and keeping the faith," said Daniels after the game, reflecting on his team's ability to withstand the Saints’ late-game surge. "We had opportunities to put this away, but we learned we have to finish strong against any opponent. It's part of winning-time moments."
On the other side, Rattler acknowledged the close call, stating, "We fought hard, but we just came up short." His performance as the Saints' temporary quarterback provided hope, particularly when the team had struggled with injuries and inconsistent play this season.
Throughout the match, the Commanders demonstrated their defensive prowess early on, limiting the Saints' rushing offense to just 18 yards and applying constant pressure on Rattler. Washington's defense recorded eight sacks throughout the game, forcing the Saints to go three-and-out multiple times.
Despite their strong offensive start, head coach Dan Quinn emphasized the need for improvement, particularly on the defensive side where penalties plagued his team. "We need to clean up the mistakes to secure our playoff spot," Quinn said. His team's discipline will be put to the test as they heading toward the final stretch of the regular season.
With the upcoming matches being equally important, the Commanders need this momentum as they face tougher opponents down the line. Their next game aims to solidify their presence as playoff contenders — something Washington has not experienced since 2016.
Looking forward, the Saints will regroup as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, hoping to secure another win with Rattler at the helm. Despite the defeat, there remain bright spots, particularly Alvin Kamara, who, when healthy, has proven to be one of the league's most dynamic playmakers.
Both teams walked away from the game with lessons learned, as Washington takes pride in holding off New Orleans and the Saints reflect on missed opportunities. The Commanders sit comfortably poised as they aim for their first playoff appearance since the 2015 season, with their eyes fixed firmly on victory.
