4 Biggest X-Factors For Eagles in Week 1 vs Commanders

The Philadelphia Eagles will be taking on the Washington Commanders to open the new NFL season, giving them a chance to grab a big NFC East division win.

Philadelphia is coming off a year that saw them be bounced out in the wild-card round of the playoffs, failing to complete the back-to-back Super Bowl quest. But entering this season, the offense will look a little different following an offseason trade of star wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Without Brown, others are going to need to step up to help get this Eagles team back to the playoffs. There are real questions around the offense, mainly centering on the quarterback, Jalen Hurts.

But this game against Washington does offer Philadelphia a chance to silence some doubters early in the year. Here are four X-Factors for the Eagles heading into the game.

1. DeVonta Smith

Without Brown in the lineup, Smith will now be viewed as the primary weapon for the offense. This means he will have much more responsibility on his shoulders, but this is nothing new for him.

In college, Smith won the Heisman Trophy with Alabama, and now he will be looked at to produce even more, especially against Washington. Last season, Smith caught 77 passes for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns.

2. Riq Woolen

Coming over from the Seattle Seahawks, Woolen is now leading the Eagles secondary. And against the Commanders, he will have his work cut out for him.

Washington has plenty of playmakers on the offense, with Woolen being given the toughest assignments. If he can start his Eagles tenure off in the right way, Philadelphia should have a strong chance to come away with the win.

3. Saquon Barkley

After an explosive first season with the Eagles, Barkley did take a step back a year ago. The star running back did still rush for 1140 yards and seven touchdowns, but his 2025 season wasn't the same.

The Eagles need Barkley to find a middle ground between his 2024 and 2025 self. And if he can make that happen, the sky could be the limit for him once again.

5. Jalen Hurts

This one is the easiest on the list, but Hurts is going to have to prove himself again this year. Despite winning the Super Bowl MVP two years ago, Hurts showed signs of inconsistency last year that hurt the Eagles.

If he can play up to the level he is capable of, Philadelphia should be just fine. But this is going to be a massive first game for Hurts without the services of Brown to fall back on.