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How hot is Ron Rivera's seat: 1. Cold seat

In Rivera's first season, Washington overcame a 2-7 start to win the NFC East at 7-9; the division was bad, but Washington played well down the stretch. That banked goodwill for Rivera. This season, with higher expectations, Washington again started slow but climbed back into playoff contention with a four-game win streak. Injuries and COVID-19 could end up derailing Washington's campaign, but there's no doubt Rivera has earned a third season. The team will have to show even more progress next season for him to remain on a cold seat, but there's reason for optimism moving forward. -- John Keim

The Football Team showed plenty of fight hanging tough against the Eagles on Tuesday night, but this is not a roster that can withstand many injuries -- or a full-blown COVID-19 outbreak. Washington jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but was outgained in yardage 519-237 and never found its footing with its top two quarterbacks taken out of action due to COVID-19 protocols. Washington needs to win out to have a chance at a playoff return, a nearly impossible ask for a team this compromised. "We're in a unique situation," wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. "... We had the mindset going into the week that we'll play with whoever we have. This is the NFL, you have to be ready at all moments."

Trying to win a division game on the road is tough any time, but it's almost impossible with a quarterback picked up off the street. That's what Washington faced Tuesday and their playoff chances are almost gone because of it.

Cleveland and Washington were teams most affected by COVID in Week 15. Tuesday's loss in Philadelphia might very well prove unsurvivable for WFT, which winds up in 10th place rather than in wild-card spot.

Our gift to you: We were going to gift WFT new sideline benches, but they went ahead and bought them for themselves. Instead, we'll give them a gift of quarterback health over the final three weeks of the season. Getting Taylor Heinicke back in the lineup might not be enough for Washington to make the playoffs, but after all the injury and illness turmoil Washington has dealt with at that position over the past few years, it deserves a bit of good health.