Published Dec 2, 6:17pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 2, 6:17pm ET
Grok AI
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| Minnesota Vikings | -1.5 (-115) |
| Washington Commanders | +1.5 (-105) |
The Commanders have lost seven straight games. In Week 13, they fought the good fight against the high-flying Broncos. The game went to overtime. With 2:47 remaining, a Terry McLaurin TD catch from Marcus Mariota brought them within 1 point. The attempted 2-point conversion to tie the game failed. It was the Commanders' second straight OT loss.
That Commanders-Broncos game started in November and finished in December pic.twitter.com/rnZX3ntwWM
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 1, 2025
Washington's season has devolved into an abject disaster. Injuries to QB Jayden Daniels, running back Austin Ekeler, and defensive back Marshon Lattimore, among others, doomed them.
It's difficult to fully blame head coach Dan Quinn for what's happened, but expect some significant changes to the staff and roster this offseason.
Even without Ekeler, Washington's rushing attack has been solid, ranked third in rushing yards per game, led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez, and Jeremy McNichols.
Mariota hasn't played badly in Daniels' stead with a 63.2 completion percentage and an 87.1 passer rating.
Daniels has returned to practice after dislocating his elbow in Week 9. He could get back on the field this week.
The Commanders have been horrible against the pass, ranked 31st in defensive passing yards per game, but that shouldn't be an issue against J.J. McCarthy. They've been nearly as bad against the run. They're -8 in takeaway differential.
ALSO SEE: Dolphins vs Jets Week 14 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 7)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels, QB | INJURED |
| Tyler Ott, LS | INJURED |
Regardless of how the Commanders' season has gone sideways, at least they have their long-term solution at quarterback, injuries notwithstanding. As for the Vikings, J.J. McCarthy has been horrendous. He missed the Week 13, 26-0 loss to the Seahawks, but with Max Brossmer's performance, it was like McCarthy never left.
It’s hard to look worse than JJ McCarthy
— biev 🦫 (@shadybiev) November 30, 2025
This was actually the worst play in the history of the NFL
pic.twitter.com/piCXZ8lsjm
McCarthy is widely expected to play against Washington.
By now, head coach Kevin O'Connell and the organization should just let McCarthy play out the season to see if there's anything salvageable. They're going to have a high draft pick, and presumably, owner Zygi Wilf is not happy with the team dropping from 14-3 to 4-8 and spiraling. Nor should he be.
The Vikings are a league-worst -15 in takeaway differential. They're 28th in points scored per game, 29th in passing yards per game, and 25th in rushing yards per game. Their pass defense has been solid, ranked fifth in yards per game.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| J.J. McCarthy, QB | INJURED |
| Theo Jackson, S | INJURED |
| Donovan Jackson, G | INJURED |
| Christian Darrisaw, OT | INJURED |
| Blake Brendel, G | INJURED |
| Aaron Jones Sr., RB | INJURED |
In Week 14 Commanders-Vikings, both teams are playing out the string. Still, they need to evaluate and decide how to proceed this offseason.
McCarthy is expected to play; Daniels might play. There are arguments against both: McCarthy because he's been horrible; Daniels because of his injuries, and that he could benefit from another week or two of rest and recovery.
Washington has fought in the past two weeks, losing to the Dolphins and Broncos in overtime. The underdog Commanders' rushing attack should gobble up yards against the Vikings' defense and cover the 1.5-point spread.
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Washington Commanders +1.5
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