The Washington Commanders’ playoff hopes suffered a major setback on Saturday after a costly fumble by quarterback Baker Mayfield in the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield’s fumble, which came with the Commanders driving in 49ers territory and trailing by just three points, was recovered by San Francisco and ultimately led to a touchdown that sealed the game for the 49ers.

The fumble was a crushing blow to the Commanders, who had fought back from a 10-point deficit in the second half to put themselves in position to win the game. Mayfield had played well up to that point, completing 20 of 32 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown. But his fumble proved to be a costly mistake that ultimately cost the Commanders the game.

The fumble also raised questions about Mayfield’s future with the Commanders. Mayfield was acquired by the Commanders in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, and he was expected to be the team’s starting quarterback for the next several years. But his performance in Saturday’s game, coupled with his struggles throughout the season, has led to speculation that the Commanders may be looking to move on from Mayfield in the offseason.

Mayfield’s performance in Saturday’s game was the latest in a string of disappointing performances by the quarterback this season. Mayfield has completed just 59.8% of his passes this season, with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His passer rating of 84.3 is the second-worst in the NFL among quarterbacks who have started at least 10 games.

Mayfield’s struggles have been particularly evident in the second half of games. In the fourth quarter of games this season, Mayfield has completed just 48.5% of his passes, with four touchdowns and six interceptions. His passer rating in the fourth quarter is just 65.3, which is the worst in the NFL among quarterbacks who have played at least 10 games.

The Commanders’ playoff hopes are now in jeopardy after Saturday’s loss. The Commanders are now 7-8 on the season and they have lost three of their last four games. They are currently in ninth place in the NFC standings, and they need to win their remaining two games and get help from other teams in order to make the playoffs.

The Commanders’ playoff hopes will likely rest on Mayfield’s performance in the final two games of the season. Mayfield will need to play well and avoid making costly mistakes if the Commanders are going to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Mayfield’s future with the Commanders is uncertain after Saturday’s loss. The Commanders could decide to stick with Mayfield as their starting quarterback next season, but they could also decide to move on from him and look for a new quarterback.

If the Commanders decide to move on from Mayfield, they will likely have several options to replace him. They could trade for a quarterback, such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Derek Carr, or they could sign a free agent quarterback, such as Jacoby Brissett or Teddy Bridgewater.

The Commanders could also decide to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Commanders have the 16th overall pick in the draft, and there are several talented quarterbacks who could be available at that pick, such as Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young.

Baker Mayfield’s fumble in Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers was a crushing blow to the Washington Commanders’ playoff hopes. Mayfield’s performance this season has been disappointing, and his future with the Commanders is now uncertain. The Commanders will need to make a decision on Mayfield’s future in the offseason, and they will have several options to replace him if they decide to move on.