(NewsNation) — If history is anything to go by the Washington Commanders‘ prowess extends beyond the gridiron ahead of Election Day.
Fresh off a dramatic 18-15 win at home to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the NFC East franchise may have just tipped off who will be America’s next president.
Dating back to 1940, the Commanders’ final home game result has indicated who would win on Election Day 17 out of 21 times.
In its original iteration, if Washington won its last home game pre-election, the incumbent party won. The inverse was true if the Commanders, formerly known as the Redskins, lost on home turf.
This pattern, referred to as “The Redskins Rule,” correctly predicted every presidential election from 1940-2000 before George W. Bush won reelection to the White House in 2004.
It was also incorrect in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Steve Hirdt, the man who discovered the trend, suggested the rule predicted the popular vote winner.
Under that interpretation, all presidential elections from 1940 would match up excluding 2012 and 2016.
In any case, the Commanders’ results have largely predicted the fate of the challenging party correctly since 2004. Wins were had before the 2016 and 2020 victories of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, respectively.
Losses occurred in 2004 and 2012 before Bush and Barack Obama received second terms. However, 2008’s victory by Obama followed the original pattern of “The Redskins Rule.”
Democrats will be hoping the rule has returned to its original form.
Failing that, Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz will be hoping his Madden gaming session with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Sunday will put them over the top.
The Commanders (6-2) next play at division rival, the New York Giants (2-5) on Sunday before a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) on Nov. 10.
