Eagles vs. Commanders: Week 1 prediction, what you need to know

The Philadelphia Eagles‘ 2026 season is finally here. And the Birds have a rivalry game to kick things off, facing the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The Eagles, looking for a third consecutive NFC East title, underwent an offseason of change. Sean Mannion was hired to replace fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. New impact players were added via trades, the draft and free agency.

All of it was done in an attempt to get back to the Super Bowl after the Eagles endured a frustrating 2025 season and crashed out in the first round of the NFC playoffs.

How will Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and Co. fare in Week 1? Here’s everything you need to know before the Eagles open the season against Washington.

GAMEDAY ESSENTIALS

Kickoff: 4:25 p.m., Sunday, Lincoln Financial Field

TV: FOX (Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi)

Betting odds: Eagles -5.5 ; over/under 44.5 points

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PREDICTION

The vibes were awful surrounding the Commanders’ offense during the preseason. During a joint practice with the Ravens, longtime beat writer Nicki Jhabvala wrote: “This is the worst I’ve ever seen the Commanders’ offense in years.” Now, do we as beat writers sometimes overreact to training camp? Sure. But that doesn’t mean Washington isn’t in trouble.

I’m not expecting Mannion’s offense to be firing on all cylinders in Week 1. It’s a system totally different than any Hurts has ever operated in. There will be growing pains.

But Vic Fangio’s defense, littered with stars like Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Zack Baun, have more than enough to put the clamps on the Commanders and make this a comfortable win to kickstart the season.

Eagles 27, Commanders 13