If you’re a Washington fan, you know the feeling. It’s that weird mix of guarded optimism and the sudden, crushing realization that things might just fall apart. But lately? Things have actually been... okay?
Honestly, the last time Washington was in the playoffs isn't some ancient history lesson from the Joe Gibbs era anymore. We just lived through a massive postseason run. In the 2024-25 NFL season, the Washington Commanders didn't just stumble into a Wild Card spot; they actually made people in D.C. believe that the decades of "rebuilding" were finally over. It was a ride.
The 2024-25 season: When the Commanders finally clicked
Most people expected another "evaluation year." Instead, we got a Cinderella story. Jayden Daniels, the rookie who basically carried the franchise's hopes on his shoulders, turned out to be the real deal. He had this way of making defenders look silly with his legs while dropping dimes that the city hadn't seen since the early days of RGIII.
Washington finished the 2024 regular season with a 10-7 record. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. They headed into the Wild Card round as underdogs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 12, 2025.
You remember that game?
It was a gritty 23-20 win. The defense, led by Daron Payne and a rejuvenated secondary, held firm when it mattered. Then came the Divisional Round on January 18, 2025. Washington traveled to Detroit and absolutely lit up the Lions, winning 45-31. It felt like the Super Bowl was actually a possibility.
Ultimately, the run ended in the NFC Championship on January 26, 2025, against the Philadelphia Eagles. A 55-23 blowout. It stung. It really did. But for the first time in forever, Washington fans weren't looking at draft boards by November.
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Why that 2020 "Playoff Appearance" felt so different
Before the recent 2025 success, the last time Washington was in the playoffs was back in the 2020 season. That was a strange one. We were the "Washington Football Team" then. No name, no logo, just a burgundy helmet with a number on it.
That team won the NFC East with a 7-9 record. Yeah, a losing record. It was the "best of the worst" situation. Alex Smith was the quarterback—a guy who literally almost lost his leg and then came back to lead a division-winning drive. It’s the kind of stuff they make movies about.
They played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round on January 9, 2021. Tom Brady was on the other side. Everyone expected a massacre. But Taylor Heinicke—a guy who was literally taking college exams weeks earlier—stepped in for an injured Alex Smith and played the game of his life.
He dived for pylon touchdowns. He threw lasers. Washington lost 31-23, but it was the most "hopeful" loss in franchise history.
Breaking down the recent playoff drought
If we look at the timeline, the gaps between playoff appearances have been frustratingly long. Here’s how the postseason history has actually looked over the last decade:
- 2024-2025 Season: Made it to the NFC Championship. Lost to Philadelphia.
- 2020-2021 Season: Lost in the Wild Card round to Tampa Bay.
- 2015-2016 Season: Won the NFC East (9-7) but lost to Green Bay in the Wild Card.
- 2012-2013 Season: The year of RGIII. Lost to Seattle in a game that still haunts people's knees.
What about the other Washington teams?
When people search for the last time Washington was in the playoffs, they’re usually talking about the Commanders. But the city has a lot of "Washington" teams, and their fortunes have been... mixed.
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The Washington Capitals are the gold standard here. They’ve been playoff regulars for years. In the 2024-25 NHL season, they actually snapped a first-round exit streak by clinching a spot in the second round. They aren't the juggernaut they were in 2018 when they won the Stanley Cup, but Ovi and the crew still know how to get to the dance.
The Washington Wizards? That’s a tougher conversation. Their last real playoff appearance was in 2021. They beat the 76ers in a single game on May 31, 2021, but lost the series 4-1. Since then, it’s been a lot of lottery picks and "trust the process" talk that hasn't quite processed yet.
And then you have the Washington Nationals. They won it all in 2019. That feels like a lifetime ago. Since that parade, they haven't sniffed the postseason, finishing at the bottom of the NL East for five straight seasons from 2020 through 2024.
Misconceptions about Washington's playoff history
One thing people get wrong is the idea that Washington has never been good. If you grew up in the 80s, Washington was the New England Patriots of the NFL. Three Super Bowls in ten years.
The misconception is that the "curse" started when they changed the name. Honestly, the struggle started way before that. It was a combination of poor ownership, bad draft picks, and a revolving door of quarterbacks. Between 1991 and 2024, the team only had three playoff wins. Total.
The 2024-25 season changed that narrative. It showed that with a competent front office (thanks, Adam Peters) and a generational talent at QB, the "old Washington" doesn't have to be the "new Washington."
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What happens next for the Commanders?
So, they missed the playoffs this current 2025-26 season. It happens. Jayden Daniels dealt with some nagging injuries, and the defense took a step back after losing Jonathan Allen in free agency.
But the foundation is there.
If you're looking for the actionable take on where this team goes, keep an eye on the defensive line this offseason. Experts like Eva Geltheim have pointed out that Washington’s run defense was third-worst in the league this year. They need youth. They need speed.
Next steps for fans and collectors:
If you're tracking the team's progress or looking to invest in memorabilia, focus on 2024 rookie cards and "NFC East Champion" gear from that specific window. The market for Washington sports is cyclical; when they’re up, it’s a gold mine. When they’re down, it’s time to buy.
The last time Washington was in the playoffs showed us a glimpse of a powerhouse. Now, they just have to prove it wasn't a fluke.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason:
- Monitor the Draft: Washington needs a primary edge rusher to take the pressure off Daron Payne.
- Injury Reports: Watch Jayden Daniels' recovery timeline; his mobility is the engine of the entire offense.
- Free Agency: Look for the front office to target veteran cornerbacks to fix the secondary issues that the Eagles exploited in the 2025 NFC Championship.