Puh-puh playoffs are possibility

The path to the postseason has become crystal clear for the Washington Football Team. Just keep winning and don’t look back.

- Rick Snider

Washington (6-7) has a one-game lead over the New York Giants (5-8) with three games remaining. New York has the tie-breaker over Washington thanks to a series sweep so Washington has to finish one game better in the waning weeks.

It doesn’t have to be a 3-0 finish if New York doesn’t sweep out. Why, Washington can win the NFC East crown with an 0-3 ending as long as New York does the same.

Ironically, both teams have question marks at quarterbacks. Washington’s Alex Smith left midway through the victory over San Francisco with calf soreness. It’s not supposed to be serious, but coach Ron Rivera isn’t giving away any secrets. We’ll know come game time against Seattle on Dec. 20 of Smith’s real status. Meanwhile, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is struggling with a hamstring injury as New York faded to Arizona to fall from first place.

New York’s schedule is harder than Washington’s. New York hosts Cleveland on Dec. 20 before visiting Baltimore and finishing against Dallas. Cleveland (93) and Baltimore (7-5) are vying for wild cards. Cleveland might even catch the suddenly-slumping Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North. Neither team will show any mercy to the Giants. Dallas (4-9) alternates between decent and dreadful and they’d love to knock New York from the playoffs in the season finale.