Washington in Driver's Seat of NFC East Clown Car

Perry Riley (56) returns an interception in the first quarter

Responding well to an embarrassing loss to Carolina. That's how coach Jay Gruden framed Sunday's divisional matchup with the New York Giants for his squad. Any talk about the ramifications of the matchup, first place in the abysmal NFC East, was left to the analysts. Gruden was out to see character, and Washington delivered in spades. Time after time Sunday evening Washington responded to a New York team whom they hadn't beaten since 2012. Whether it was Quinton Dunbar's interception in the end zone, halting an impressive Giant's drive, or Jordan Reed's 20 yard reception on a 3rd Down and 5 late in the 4th quarter, Washington played with character and passion, seemingly absent from their most recent losses to undefeated Carolina and New England. With the win, Washington controls their destiny in pursuit of their first division title since 2012. 

Washington 

Remaining Schedule - Dallas Cowboys (3-8), @ Chicago Bears (5-6), Buffalo Bills (5-6), @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-7), @ Dallas Cowboys (3-8)

Washington has the second easiest remaining schedule in the league. Twice they face a Dallas team that will be without Tony Romo (and is 0-7 in games he hasn't started this season), along with games against a Philadelphia team that has all but quit on their head coach. A meeting at Soldier Field with a Chicago team that is suddenly playing well should prove a tough matchup. 8-8 is an attainable record, though it will likely take a 4-1 finish to take the NFC East crown.

New York

Remaining Schedule - New York Jets (6-5), @ Miami Dolphins (4-7), Carolina Panthers (11-0), @ Minnesota Vikings (8-3), Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)

The race for the NFC East crown is likely a two horse race at this point with New York posing the biggest threat to Washington. Their remaining schedule is no cake walk with four grueling games before a home finale against division rival Philadelphia. If New York can solve the protection problems of an injury depleted line, they are in for long days in their next four games, all against teams that can get after the passer.

Philadelphia

Remaining Schedule - @ New England Patriots (10-0), Buffalo Bills (5-6), Arizona Cardinals (9-2), Washington Redskins (5-6), @ New York Giants (5-6)

Philadelphia is all but finished after a Thanksgiving dismantling at the hands of an underwhelming Detroit squad. Questions abound over a fractured locker room, the offense is anemic, and they face two of the best teams in the league in Arizona and New England. Sputtering to a 4-12 finish is not out of the question for a team that will likely be looking for a new head coach come January.

Dallas

Remaining Schedule - @ Washington Redskins (5-6), @ Green Bay (7-4), New York Jets (6-5), @ Buffalo Bills (5-6), Washington Redskins (5-6)

January can't come soon enough for a Dallas squad that has been hampered by injuries all season long. Last year's 12-4 campaign seems a far cry from a season in which the Cowboy's have yet to win without Tony Romo in the starting lineup. The schedule sets up well for the Cowboys to win a few games, but a division title and return to the playoffs seems out of the realm of possibility at this point.