Keep your calendars clear, Commanders fans

• The 24-21 victory over the NFC East leaders boosted Washington's playoff chances to 19%, according to NFL data. A loss would have dropped it to 2%.

The big picture: There's nothing worse than watching a football team on a death march to January (see: 2025 Commanders). So when Daniels threw his first interception of the season — with 5:31 left and Washington trailing — I started looking for other ways to spend time.

• Stevie Wonder is performing at Capital One Arena on Nov. 23, the same night the Commanders host the Bengals on "Monday Night Football."
• Enchant at Nationals Park and the D.C. Holiday Market in Dupont could get us through a couple Sundays …

When Daniels threw another interception with 2:19 remaining, I hummed "Sir Duke" to get in the mood.

But wait: The Giants gave Washington another chance, and Daniels made the most of it, leading a speedy 71-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs.

• The defense sealed the win with an interception of J.J. McCarthy.

Reality check: At 3-5-1, the Commanders are unimpressive. But they have life.

• Only three of their final eight games are against teams with winning records.
• The NFC East is unusually weak.
• Washington now holds a tiebreaker over the division-leading Giants.

The bottom line: Thursday's win also helps justify the front office's decision to stand pat at the trade deadline.

• The Commanders weren't likely to get much in return for the players they could have sold.
• And now, instead of giving up on the season, they get to keep playing meaningful football.