The Washington Commanders will kick off the 2026 regular season on the road as we dive into what to expect from the Philadelphia Eagles in week one
The Washington Commanders will kick off the preseason slate in nearly one month with the regular season around the corner. The Commanders are set to begin the slate with a pair of divisional teams in what has proven to be a grueling first half of the schedule, but what should fans expect in the week one matchup? We take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles, who became the first to win the NFC East in consecutive seasons since the early 2000s.
2025 record: 11-6, 1st in NFC East
Key players: QB Jalen Hurts, WR Devonte Smith, OT Lane Johnson, DT Jalon Carter, RB Saquon Barkley, DL Jordan Davis, SAF Cooper DeJean
Key losses: WR AJ Brown, EDGE Jaelen Phillips, SAF Reed Blankenship, LB Nakobe Dean, WR Jahan Dotson
Key additions: CB Tariq Woolen, RB Dameon Pierce, WR Marquise Brown, LB Arnold Ebiketie, WR Makai Lemon
How they fared: Philadelphia became the first team in over 20 years to repeat as NFC East Champions with an 11-6 record. Unfortunately, they were knocked out in the Wild Card Round by the 49ers. As defending Super Bowl Champions last year, the Eagles got off to an 8-2 start, battling for the top seed in the NFC until three straight losses forced them out of contention. Two out of the last three games came against the Commanders, with Philadelphia taking the first game, while Washington scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter of a Week 18 matchup where the Eagles rested their starters. Offensively, the Eagles took a step back from 2024, going from eighth in total offense to 24th, and their run game dropped from second-best to 18th. The defense also saw a drop in production. After ranking second in total defense the previous year, the Eagles fell out of the top 10 in 2025. The run defense gave up more than double the number of touchdowns it had in 2024.
2026 expectations: The Eagles are the favorites to win the NFC East, with FanDuel having them at +135 odds for the Division and +1800 to win the Super Bowl. Even with the loss of AJ Brown, the Eagles should still be a contender in the NFC with a chance to reach their third Super Bowl in five years.
One matchup to watch: Washington’s Front Seven vs. Philadelphia’s Offensive Line
This game could be decided by who plays better in the trenches. The Eagles continue to bolster one of the top offensive lines in the league. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson remain one of the best tackle duos in football. Cam Jurgens has made back-to-back Pro Bowls since taking over the starting center role. Landon Dickerson is a three-time Pro Bowler himself, and Tyler Steen looks to improve in his second year as a full-time starter. The Commanders have new pieces all over the defense, looking to improve the second-worst unit in 2025. Edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson were signed as free agents this offseason, as was inside linebacker Leo Chanel. Washington got Chanel’s running mate in the Draft when they selected Sonny Styles with the seventh-overall pick. How quickly he adapts to the NFL will be a major storyline early in the season. On the defensive line, Daron Payne is back to wreak havoc while Javon Kinlaw is in the second year of his three-year deal signed last year. Washington signed three defensive linemen to team with those two in Tim Settle, Charles Omenhui, and DJ Davidson. There’s also veteran Deatrich Wise Jr. The Commanders need this new-look unit to make an impact right away against a strong offensive line.
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