The Philadelphia Eagles enter Sunday's regular-season opener as the favorites, but as is always the case in the NFL, they have to earn it. Divisional games have a way of ignoring expectations, and the Washington Commandersare responsible for some weird Eagles losses over the past several seasons.
The visitors travel to Lincoln Financial Field with a revamped roster and a healthy starting quarterback. They have enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to make life uncomfortable for Philadelphia if given the opportunity. The Commanders are also bringing in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. That creates an added layer of unpredictability heading into Week 1. If the Eagles want to start the season with a statement victory, here are six
of the more obvious Commanders they'll need to keep quiet.
Terry McLaurin, wide receiver
Terry McLaurin has been the constant through coaching changes, quarterback changes, and roster overhauls. He remains one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers and has a history of producing against Philadelphia.
Washington has added more weapons around him, but McLaurin is still the receiver defenses must account for first. The challenge for the Eagles will likely fall to Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, and Cooper DeJean, who form one of the league's most talented secondaries. If McLaurin is finding explosive plays downfield, it likely means the Commanders' offense is succeeding overall.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, running back
Remember that weird loss by the Eagles to the Commanders in 2022? That was Philadelphia's first loss after an 8-0 start. Washington executed its game plan perfectly. They chewed up yards on the ground and played ball control to keep the Eagles' high-powered offense off the field.
Keep an eye on Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He notched 805 yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 175 attempts last season. It seems feasible to expect the Eagles' defense to hold up, but history has taught us that if you want to catch good teams off-guard, Week 1 is a good time to do so.
Jayden Daniels, quarterback
Everything begins and ends with Daniels. The third-year quarterback is healthy again after an injury-shortened 2025 season. He remains one of the league's most dangerous dual-threat weapons. His ability to extend plays can turn a perfectly defended snap into a 20-yard gain in an instant.
Washington's offense is expected to feature more under-center concepts and continued development as a passer, but Daniels' legs remain his greatest equalizer. Philadelphia's pass rush can win this matchup only if it maintains discipline and contains Daniels.
Daron Payne, defensive tackle
Philadelphia's offensive line is one of the league's strengths, but interior pressure can wreck any game plan. Payne remains the centerpiece of Washington's defensive front and possesses the power to collapse the pocket quickly.
The Eagles are counting on healthy seasons from Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson while hoping Tyler Steen continues his development at right guard. Payne will test all three throughout the afternoon. If he consistently forces Jalen Hurts off his spot, Washington's defense becomes significantly more dangerous.
Odafe Oweh, edge rusher
Washington made Odafe Oweh one of its marquee additions this offseason. He'll immediately be tasked with slowing one of the NFL's premier offensive lines.
The Eagles trust Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson against anybody, but Oweh brings the type of speed and athleticism that can create problems if offensive tackles lose leverage. Philadelphia doesn't need to eliminate him from the game, but it cannot allow him to become a consistent source of pressure.
Frankie Luvu, linebacker
Frankie Luvu has an interesting role. He is both a contributor and a mentor. Dan Quinn has already indicated that Luvu will share communication responsibilities with rookie linebacker Sonny Styles.
That places even more importance on the veteran's role within the defense. Luvu earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024 after posting career highs in sacks, quarterback hits, and passes defended while proving to be one of the league's most versatile linebackers.
Injuries and inconsistency limited his impact in 2025, but if he's healthy, he remains a dangerous chess piece who can rush the passer, defend the run, and create negative plays. The Eagles have one of the NFL's most talented offenses, but Luvu is the type of defender who can wreck a drive with a timely sack, tackle for loss, or forced turnover. Keeping him from becoming a game-changing factor will be a priority from the opening snap.
Final thought
Games featuring the Eagles and Commanders are often must-see television. Stopping one Commanders playmaker won't be enough. Washington's offense is built around Daniels, but the additions of Diggs and Williams, combined with the reliability of McLaurin, give the quarterback more support than he's had in previous seasons.
If the Eagles can limit explosive plays, control the line of scrimmage, and force Washington into long drives, they'll put themselves in an excellent position to begin the season 1-0.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 6 Commanders players the Eagles must account for in Week 1
