The Philadelphia Eagles have questions to answer under a new offensive coordinator, but the roster remains talented enough to contend for another NFC championship. They'll get an immediate NFC East test when the Commanders visit Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
Here are five reasons to be optimistic against Washington.
1. Red-zone dominance
Philadelphia led the NFL with a 70.5% red-zone touchdown rate. Washington ranked 31st in red-zone defense, allowing touchdowns on 67.7% of opponents’ possessions.
2. A significant turnover advantage
The Eagles finished with a plus-6 turnover margin, compared with Washington’s minus-13. Hurts threw only six interceptions, while Philadelphia’s defense forced 21 takeaways.
3. Washington’s vulnerable defense
The Commanders ranked last in total defense, 30th against the run and 28th against the pass. Philadelphia
can attack Washington in several ways.
4. Philadelphia’s secondary
The Eagles allowed only 189.8 passing yards per game and a 56.8% completion rate. Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean and Michael Carter II give Vic Fangio considerable flexibility.
5. Recent Week 1 success
Philadelphia has won five consecutive season openers under Nick Sirianni. The Eagles are also 15-3 on kickoff weekend since 2008.
Final analysis
Washington has enough offensive talent to create problems, but Philadelphia holds advantages in the areas that frequently decide close games. Finishing drives and protecting the football should let the Eagles start 2026 with another win.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles-Commanders: Five reasons for optimism entering Week 1
