The opinions expressed in this article are from national reporters and do not reflect those of the team.

The Washington Commanders have improved to 11-5 after a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons. Here’s how pundits rank Washington among the NFL.

Rank: 9
Week 17 ranking: 9

• John Keim: Jonathan Allen returned from injured reserve Sunday after missing the previous eight games due to a torn left pectoral muscle. He’s signed through 2025 with a cap hit of $23 million next season. Washington could save $17 million if it released him, or it could perhaps add a year or two to his deal and lessen the cap hit next season. Allen has been a Washington stalwart — and two-time Pro Bowler — but turns 30 next month. The Commanders still have Daron Payne and drafted Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round.

Rank: 7
Week 17 ranking: 9

• Vinnie Iyer: Jayden Daniels makes the Commanders a dangerous surprise playoff team — one that can give a home division winner a lot of trouble because of a running game that rarely goes into slumps.