NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Packers take top seed, Eagles sparked by Jalen Hurts

There’s been a movement as of late to try and get Alex Smith the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award and there’s really no reason the Washington Football Team quarterback shouldn’t win it. He’s been a major inspiration as he had led them to wins in their past three games, including a shocking upset over Pittsburgh last week.

This week, he was back on the field as the Football Team looked to take advantage of a loss by the New York Giants earlier in the day. Unfortunately, Smith was injured in the game and had to be sidelined which was upsetting to see but the team rallied without him.

Rookie defensive end Chase Young continued to dominate as he picked up a loose ball and ran it back 47-yards for a touchdown just before the half to give Washington a 13-7 lead. Another rookie, Kamren Curl, recorded a touchdown as well when he picked off Nick Mullens and ran it back.

Washington secured the win 23-15, again on the strength of their incredible defense and now at 6-7, they’re all alone in first place in the NFC East. They’re also the only team left in that division that could finish the year with a winning record. They might not need that to win the division, but if they can win in Week 16 and 17 over the Panthers and Eagles, they might be the division winners. And even if he is out for an extended time, Smith is a huge reason they’re even in this position.