Washington Commanders Can't Afford to Overlook Eagles' Playmakers

The Washington Commanders sit at the bottom of the NFC East at 1-4-1, with an injury-riddled Philadelphia Eagles team next up on the schedule. This is a must-win game, no ifs, ands, or buts. If Washington loses, its season could be all but over.

Philadelphia comes into this game riding a five-game losing streak, its longest since 2016. The Eagles have struggled on both sides of the ball, and injuries have only made matters worse. Washington will look to capitalize on the beaten up Eagles' offense while limiting the imposing defensive line as we take a look at names to know ahead of Sunday night:

QB Tanner McKee

Most notably, Philadelphia will be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, leaving backup Tanner McKee to take over under center.

McKee spent his first three NFL seasons developing behind Jalen Hurts before entering this season as Philadelphia's backup. He's been pressed into action for two starts this season, throwing for 426 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, with the Eagles losing both games. McKee last faced Washington in the 2025 season finale, throwing for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Commanders' 24-17 victory.

Washington has an opportunity to take advantage of an inexperienced quarterback, but it will need to generate pressure, force mistakes, and prevent McKee from getting comfortable in the pocket.

RB Saquon Barkley

The Commanders will have their hands full with Saquon Barkley. The star running back has historically given Washington fits, totaling 1,305 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns in 13 regular-season matchups against the Commanders. He also rushed for 118 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 2024 NFC Championship Game.

Barkley's history against Washington is particularly concerning when you consider the Commanders' defensive struggles this season. Washington has allowed opponents to convert 44.4% of their third-down attempts. Even worse, the Commanders rank nearly dead last in red-zone defense, allowing touchdowns on 81.8% of opposing trips inside the 20-yard line.

Barkley entered Friday listed as a limited participant in practice due to his hamstring and back injury, but he'll officially suit up on Sunday night amid limited weapons around the rest of the offense.

DT Jalen Carter

Barkley isn't the only Eagles player Washington needs to account for. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is another matchup to watch. Carter recorded three quarterback pressures and blocked an extra point in the teams' Week 1 meeting. He's also coming off a disappointing performance against Dallas, where he failed to record a sack, quarterback hit or pressure. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has challenged Carter to become more consistent, saying he needs to develop the mindset to perform at a high level every week. With that criticism fresh in his mind, Carter could have an extra chip on his shoulder heading into Sunday night's matchup.

Eagles WR Room

Philadelphia will be without two of its top wide receivers Sunday, as DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are both sidelined with injuries. Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Wicks is out with an ankle injury. This marks the second consecutive game both receivers have missed this season.

The Commanders can breathe a sigh of relief, as Smith has wreaked havoc against the Burgundy and Gold throughout his career. He has recorded 53 receptions for 653 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games against Washington.

Philadelphia will now have to turn to players like Makai Lemon, Dallas Goedert and Darius Cooper to pick up the slack. Lemon scored his first career touchdown last week against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Goedert has not found the end zone since scoring twice against Washington in Week 1, while Cooper's last touchdown came in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While the Eagles have their share of concerns heading into Sunday night, Washington still has to go out and take advantage of the holes in Philadelphia's lineup. The Commanders need to capitalize on the Eagles' quarterback situation, slow down Barkley and make life difficult for Carter and what's left of their wide receiver room. If they can't, Philadelphia still has enough talent to make them pay.