Week One features another intriguing divisional clash. Their ‘25 records are revealing. The Eagles went 11-6 while the Commanders 5-12. But, in this case, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Washington was plagued by across-the-board injuries. The regression from their NFC championship game run in ‘24 was due largely to circumstances beyond their control. Though not reflected in their regular-season record, Philly also regressed in a big way. A massive step back in the run game, a defensive identity collapse, and the loss of OC Kellen Moore are all reasons why the Birds went from Super Bowl champions to a first-round playoff exit.

 

We are looking at two teams that had everything go right in 2024. Jayden Daniels was amazing. His rookie campaign was historic and earned him ROTY honors. New GM Adam Peters hit on his free agency signings with Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Tyler Biadasz, all chalking up stellar seasons. HC Dan Quinn successfully implemented a winning culture in his first year. Not only did the team’s identity fundamentally flip, but the Commanders had luck on their side. A missed Atlanta field goal in Week 17, a Juwan Johnson drop in Week 15, and the famous Hail Mary vs the Bears in Week 8 were all things that never seemed to happen to the Commanders. Their potent concoction of talent, culture and fortune culminated in an unlikely playoff run. Similarly, the 2024 Eagles could do no wrong. Saquon Barkley was nearly the MVP, breaking the 2,000-yard rushing barrier. Vic Fangio turned the defense into a lockdown unit featuring the emergence of All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun and rookie corners Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had the best rating of his career (103.7) and was the most efficient we’ve seen. They finished the season with a 10-1 record and breezed their way to their second Super Bowl (40-22 vs Kansas City).

 

Two seasons removed from brilliant 2024 seasons–and looking to bounce back from a terrible 2025–both teams will attempt to recapture the magic. Both have undergone massive coordinator changes. The Eagles signed former Vikings QB Sean Mannion as OC, and the Commanders are taking on two more former Vikings, David Blough and Daronte Jones as OC and DC. Both teams are also counting on an influx of talent through the draft and free agency. The Commanders brought in Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson to add juice to their pass rush while also investing a first-round pick on former Buckeye linebacker Sonny Styles. The Eagles utilized free agency to sign Pro-Bowl CB Riq Woolen and WRs Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks. Further bolstering their weak offensive attack, they signed WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers with their first and second round picks, hoping to compensate for the departure of star WR A.J Brown.

 

With these moves, each team has addressed its 2025 weaknesses. On paper, both should be back to 2024 form. But paper is just where you write things down. How these moves actually address the gaps they were designed to plug will have to wait for September 13th at around 3:45 Central Time. While not entirely conclusive, the results of this Week One match-up will answer a lot of questions. Was Jayden Daniels’ rookie year a fluke? Were injuries the only reason the Commanders regressed so steeply? Is Saquon Barkley a has-been? Will coaching and personnel changes be enough to recapture the 2024 magic? Or, did they miss their windows? Find out on September 13th.