Former Vikings quarterback is now 6-1 in his last 7 starts

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke helped the Washington Commanders get a Week 12 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Back in Week 9, the Minnesota Vikings were able to get a win on the road over one of their former quarterbacks, Taylor Heinicke, and a tough Washington Commanders team. That loss to the Vikings has turned out to be the only one for the Commanders since Week 5, as they’ve now won six of their last seven matchups, including a Week 12 contest against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Following an injury to Carson Wentz, Heinicke stepped in as Washington’s starting quarterback in Week 7. With the victory over the Falcons on Sunday, the Commanders are now 5-1 in games with Heinicke as their starter this season, and dating back to 2021, they’ve won six of their last seven matchups with the former Vikings quarterback starting under center.

Wentz is still on Washington’s injured/reserve list, but he’s eligible to return whenever the team is ready to add him back to the roster. With the way that Washington has been playing without him, however, they’re probably not in a giant rush to get him back on the field

Former Vikings QB Taylor Heinicke leads Washington Commanders to another win in Week 12 over Atlanta Falcons

The Commanders haven’t been one of the hottest teams in the NFL during the last few weeks because Heinicke has been lighting it up on the stat sheet, as he’s been averaging under 200 passing yards in all six of his starts this season.

During the win over Atlanta on Sunday, the former Minnesota quarterback only threw for 138 yards, but he also tossed a pair of touchdowns, which proved to be enough for Washington to get a 19-13 victory.

Heinicke has still made plenty of plays, but he’s just been making them when the Commanders have needed them the most. Heinicke has also done a great job at getting the football in the hands of some of Washington’s best players.

Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is one of the players that has benefited the most from Heinicke stepping in as the starter. McLaurin’s per-game averages for targets, catches, and receiving yards have all increased with Heinicke under center, and this has played a big role in Washington’s success during the last few weeks.

With the help of Heinicke, McLaurin, rookie running back Brian Robinson, and a stout defense, Washington is now in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, something that didn’t really seem possible after beginning the season with a 1-4 record.