Match Preview: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This upcoming Sunday will feature an exciting clash between the Washington Commanders (14-5) and the Philadelphia Eagles (16-3) at 3 p.m. EST, live on Fox. The current NFL odds from BetMGM favor the Eagles by six points, with both teams showing a strong performance against the spread, each holding a 12-6-1 record. Historically, the Commanders hold a slight edge in their rivalry, leading the series 90-85-5, including a memorable victory in their only playoff encounter in January 1991.
The last matchup between these NFC East rivals was on December 22, where Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels threw five touchdown passes to secure a thrilling 36-33 victory, which halted Philadelphia’s impressive ten-game winning streak. In their previous outings, the Commanders displayed their offensive prowess with a notable 45-31 win over Detroit while the Eagles narrowly defeated the Rams 28-22.
Looking at the statistics, the Commanders rank seventh overall in offense, third in rushing, and fifth in scoring. However, their defense sits at 13th overall, struggling particularly against the run, where they rank 30th. In contrast, the Eagles are eighth in offense, shining with the second-ranked rushing attack, and they boast the top-ranked defense in the league, both overall and in passing.
One standout player to watch this week is Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who had a phenomenal regular season, achieving a franchise record of 2,005 rushing yards. He came close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record held since 1984. While Barkley rested during the regular season finale against the Giants, he made a stunning return in the playoffs, rushing for 119 yards against the Packers and then smashing a franchise playoff record with 205 rushing yards against the Rams.
On the Commanders’ side, keep an eye on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been impressive since taking the helm. In the team’s recent victory over Detroit, he accumulated 339 total yards and accounted for two touchdowns. His previous performance against the Eagles had him breaking through their defense with both his arm and legs, making him a significant player to watch.
A crucial matchup will be Washington’s defense going against Barkley, who has proven to be a game-changer. With the Commanders ranking low in run defense, this matchup could be a significant advantage for Philadelphia. Barkley has consistently excelled this season, and his playoff performance has only heightened expectations. His electrifying 78-yard touchdown run against the Rams has already secured its place as one of the top highlights of the season.
In terms of injuries, the Commanders face setbacks with right guard Sam Cosmi, who is out after tearing his ACL. Also, key players like defensive tackle Daron Payne and linebacker Bobby Wagner were unable to practice earlier in the week, further complicating their status for Sunday’s game. For the Eagles, quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a knee injury in the last game, but indications suggest he is recovering and could be ready to play. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell also sustained a shoulder injury but is hopeful about his availability.
Regarding their playoff history, the last meeting in the playoffs saw Washington winning 20-6, emphasizing the competitive nature of this rivalry. The Commanders have enjoyed success in past NFC title games, while the Eagles have significant home-field advantage, having hosted five NFC title games since Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003. Philadelphia’s defense, which has been stellar this season, will be looking to contribute to their home-field reputation.
In conclusion, both teams come into this week with high stakes and a wealth of talent on display. With their playoff journey hanging in the balance, the match is expected to be a thrilling encounter filled with pivotal moments and standout performances.
