The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders don't need much help generating intrigue. These NFC East rivals have met 183 times, including two postseason games. Washington won the first playoff meeting in the Wild Card Round, while Philadelphia earned the more memorable victory in the NFC Championship Game following the 2024 season.
Overall, the Commanders hold a slim 91-87-5 advantage in the all-time series, including a victory during last season's regular-season finale. Before that, however, the Eagles had won 14 of the previous 18 meetings.
Both teams enter Sunday's opener hoping to begin the season 1-0, but there is already more at stake than a single victory. The winner will own an early tiebreaker advantage in what should be another
competitive race for the NFC East crown. Here are our bold predictions for Week 1.
Jalen Hurts accounts for three touchdowns.
The method matters less than the result. Whether it's three touchdown passes, two scoring throws and a rushing touchdown, or a pair of short-yardage plunges mixed with a strike through the air, expect Jalen Hurts to be heavily involved in Philadelphia's scoring production.
Washington finished last season ranked near the bottom of the NFL against the run, and the Eagles have never been shy about leaning on Hurts in short-yardage situations. The Commanders may know what's coming near the goal line, but stopping it has proven to be a different challenge altogether. Look for Hurts to finish the afternoon with three total touchdowns, including at least one score via the Brotherly Shove.
Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby combine for 175-plus rushing yards.
Philadelphia's offensive identity still begins with its running game. Saquon Barkley remains one of the league's most dangerous backs, and Tank Bigsby gives the Eagles another physical option capable of wearing down defenses. Barkley also hopes to continue an impressive streak, havingproduced 115 yards and a touchdown in six straight games vs. Washington.
If the offensive line controls the line of scrimmage the way it is capable of doing, both runners should find room to operate. A couple of explosive runs would certainly help this prediction along, but it doesn't have to happen that way.
The more likely scenario is Philadelphia establishing the run early, building a lead and relying on Barkley and Bigsby to help close the game out in the second half. Expect the duo to surpass 175 rushing yards and spend much of the afternoon testing Washington's front seven.
A productive day for Hurts but a quiet debut for Makai Lemon
Patience remains the key word when discussing Makai Lemon. Jason Avant even recently said the rookie may need a couple of years to master the NFL game.
The rookie's talent is undeniable, and there is every reason to believe he will become an important piece of Philadelphia's offense. Still, missing valuable summer practice time makes it harder for any young player to build chemistry and master a new system.
That doesn't mean Lemon won't contribute. He should see opportunities and make a few plays when his number is called. The expectation here, however, is a modest statistical debut. Four receptions feels reasonable while the offense continues to flow primarily through DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, and Dontayvion Wicks.
Lemon's time is coming. It just may not arrive massively during Week 1.
The Eagles' defense records two interceptions.
Few things swing momentum faster than takeaways. Philadelphia's defense has the talent to create them, especially if the Eagles build an early lead and force Washington into obvious passing situations. While Quinyon Mitchell's first regular-season interception is an appealing candidate for a prediction like this, opposing offenses have become increasingly careful about testing him.
That could create opportunities elsewhere. Riq Woolen and Cooper DeJean both have the instincts and ball skills to capitalize on mistakes, while players such as Zack Baun and Andrew Mukuba have shown an ability to find the football. Expect two Commanders passes to end up in Eagles' hands before the afternoon is over.
The Eagles win by two scores.
The recent history between these teams is more competitive than some might remember. Washington has earned its share of victories over time, and divisional games rarely unfold exactly as expected. Still, context matters. One of the Commanders' recent wins came in a game where Hurts was injured, while another was the bizarre Monday night upset that ended Philadelphia's undefeated start in 2022.
Last season's regular-season finale saw the Eagles rest key starters. The bigger picture is that Philadelphia remains the more complete team. The Eagles have the stronger roster, the home-field advantage, and one of the league's most talented collections of players on both sides of the ball.
Expect Washington to have moments, but expect Philadelphia to take control as the game progresses—prediction: Eagles 31, Commanders 17.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Commanders: Bold predictions for Week 1
