Then they lost star pass-rusher Chase Young to a season-ending injury two weeks later, and it really looked bleak.
If the season ended today, which it doesn’t obviously, they would be the sixth seed in the NFC.
Coach Ron Rivera has turned his team around as it prepares to face the Dallas Cowboys in a key division game Sunday at home.
The secondary has been a big part of the reason for the turnaround, as has the inside play of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who is playing great football.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke is coming off a so-so game against the Raiders, but he is capable of getting hot and leading the offense up and down the field.
If Washington can slow Dak Prescott and that offense and pull out a victory, it will be one game out of first place with four to go.