The Philadelphia Eagles will begin the 2026 season against a familiar opponent with a considerably different roster.
Washington added established veterans, young playmakers, and several defensive pieces during an offseason overhaul. However, everything still begins with quarterback Jayden Daniels and his ability to create problems through the air and on the ground. Philadelphia enters the matchup as the more established team, but divisional games are rarely predictable. The Eagles must account for Washington’s speed, improved receiving corps, and an aggressive defense designed to pressure Jalen Hurts.
Here are 10 Commanders players Eagles fans should know before Sunday’s opener.
1. Jayden Daniels, quarterback
Daniels remains the player around whom Philadelphia must build its
defensive plan. He can extend plays, escape pressure, and punish defenses that lose discipline in their rushing lanes. The Eagles will want to force him to operate from the pocket without opening easy running opportunities.
2. Terry McLaurin, wide receiver
McLaurin has consistently produced against the Eagles regardless of the quarterback or offensive system around him. His speed, route running, and ability to win contested catches make him Washington’s most dependable receiving threat. Philadelphia’s secondary cannot allow McLaurin to create explosive plays downfield.
3. Stefon Diggs, wide receiver
Diggs gives the Commanders another experienced target who can get open quickly. He can work underneath, move the chains, and take pressure away from McLaurin. Washington now has enough receiving talent to challenge every level of Philadelphia’s secondary.
4. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, running back
Croskey-Merritt brings physicality and burst to Washington’s rebuilt backfield. He was listed as limited on the first injury report, making his progress worth monitoring. If available, he could help the Commanders stay balanced and prevent Philadelphia from concentrating entirely on Daniels.
5. Chig Okonkwo, tight end
Okonkwo provides another athletic target in the middle of the field. He can stretch the seam, create yards after the catch, and produce unfavorable matchups against linebackers. His presence will test how Philadelphia handles tight ends while also accounting for Daniels’ mobility.
6. Odafe Oweh, edge rusher
The former Raven gives Washington an explosive edge defender. Oweh has the athletic ability to chase down quarterbacks and disrupt plays from the backside. He was listed as limited Wednesday, but his availability could significantly affect the Commanders’ pressure package against Hurts.
7. Frankie Luvu, linebacker
Luvu is one of the emotional leaders of Washington’s defense. He plays with aggression, attacks the line of scrimmage, and can be used as a blitzer from several alignments. The Eagles must identify his location before the snap, particularly on third down.
8. Sonny Styles, linebacker
Styles enters the NFL with an intriguing combination of size, speed, and versatility. Washington can use him as a traditional linebacker, in coverage or near the line of scrimmage. His athleticism could make him an important part of the plan for containing Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia’s passing game.
9. Mike Sainristil, cornerback
Sainristil has the intelligence and competitiveness to handle several responsibilities in Washington’s secondary. He is comfortable playing inside and can contribute against the run. His matchup with Philadelphia’s receivers from the slot could become an important part of Sunday’s game.
10. Amik Robertson, cornerback
Robertson brings experience and physicality to a secondary that will be tested immediately. With Trey Amos beginning the season on injured reserve, Robertson could carry an even larger role against Philadelphia’s receiving corps. The Eagles may test Washington’s cornerback depth early.
Final analysis
Washington has enough talent to make the opener uncomfortable, especially if Daniels creates plays outside the offense's structure. Philadelphia’s biggest challenge will be maintaining discipline while adjusting to a Commanders roster that looks much different from the one it faced last season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: These 10 Commanders could create problems for the Eagles in Week 1
