Over the past decade, the journey of quarterback Kirk Cousins has been marked by significant financial milestones. After being drafted by what is now known as the Washington Commanders, Cousins has navigated through three different teams, securing lucrative deals at every turn. Despite his financial success, however, Cousins' postseason record remains modest. Meanwhile, in an upcoming Week 17 matchup, the Commanders will face off against the Atlanta Falcons, with both teams relying on rookie quarterbacks. The Commanders are favored to win, but the game is expected to be a low-scoring affair.

The Financial Journey of a Veteran QB

Kirk Cousins' career has been defined by substantial contracts that have set new benchmarks for quarterbacks. His initial years were spent under consecutive franchise tags with the Washington team, followed by a fully guaranteed deal with the Minnesota Vikings. This was further bolstered by extensions before he eventually signed a massive free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Despite these financial triumphs, Cousins has struggled to find consistent success in the playoffs, holding a less-than-impressive record.

In the early stages of his career, Cousins faced uncertainty, often being tagged rather than signed to long-term deals. This changed dramatically when the Vikings offered him a groundbreaking fully guaranteed contract, setting a new standard in the league. Following this, additional extensions solidified his position. However, despite the monetary gains, his postseason performance has been lackluster, leading to questions about his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Now, as a veteran backup to rookie Michael Penix Jr., Cousins finds himself in a unique position during this critical Week 17 matchup.

The Clash of Rookie Quarterbacks

The Week 17 Sunday Night Football game between the Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons features two teams led by rookie quarterbacks. Despite being favored by 3.5 points, the Commanders, with Jayden Daniels, have a slight edge over the Falcons, who will start Michael Penix Jr. Daniels brings more experience to the table, having started fifteen games compared to Penix's single start. This experience gap could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Jayden Daniels has already accumulated valuable playing time, which gives him an advantage over Penix, who is still finding his footing in the NFL. While both teams are likely to struggle offensively, Daniels' familiarity with the game's pace and decision-making processes might provide the necessary boost for the Commanders. The game's total score is predicted to be relatively low, with a 46.5-point over/under, indicating a defensive battle. Fans can catch this pivotal matchup on NBC or stream it on Peacock, eagerly anticipating how these rookies will perform under the bright lights of primetime football.