Eagles vs. Commanders predictions for Week 1 of 2026 NFL season – NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Eagles will kick off their 2026 season when they host the Washington Commanders at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday at the Linc.

Here are our predictions:

Reuben Frank (0-0)

Nobody has been better on opening day lately than the Eagles, who are undefeated in Week 1 under Nick Sirianni and an NFL-best 16-3 in openers since 2008. With a win against Washington, Jalen Hurts will become the first Eagles quarterback ever to win six openers. I expect an uneven performance from the offense Sunday with so much newness – new play caller, new scheme, new receivers – but this defense is so darn loaded I can’t picture the Commanders doing a lot of damage, even with a healthy Jayden Daniels. I feel like this game will be played in the high teens to low 20s with the defense dominating in the second half and the Eagles coming out on top for what would be a franchise-record-tying sixth straight opening-day win. Hurts is 8-1 against Washington with five straight wins in meaningful games when he plays the whole game. New offense or not, he’s not losing this one.

Eagles 23, Commanders 17

Dave Zangaro (0-0)

Even though some weird things seem to happen in Week 1, the Eagles are clearly the more talented team on Sunday. So I still think they’re going to win and it starts up front. On defense, the Eagles boast a talented defensive line that looks ready for a big season in 2026. Jalyx Hunt is coming off a tremendous training camp and he’ll be facing a backup left tackle in this game. He should get off to an incredibly quick start to his season. And then on the interior, Jalen Carter is healthy and in shape and is the centerpiece of what could be the best defense in the NFL. Even without Jonathan Greenard, I have faith in the defensive line.

On offense, the Eagles have a brand new scheme and while I generally think it will take some time to get this offense into a rhythm, they should be able to run the ball from the jump. Saquon Barkley has always killed the Commanders and that trend is going to continue on Sunday afternoon. I have him well over 100 yards and a touchdown as the Eagles cruise to a victory to start their 2026 season.

Eagles 27, Commanders 17

Barrett Brooks (0-0)

This offseason felt longer than usual. Let me start off with my prediction for the year: My Eagles will go 12-5 this year. They will win the division, even though they will split with the Cowboys.

Week 1 will be tough for the Birds because this is their first game in the new offense. I have very high expectations for Sean Manion. I really like this scheme for Jalen Hurts. I’m hoping he gets back to the run threat he was, threatening the defense and holding defenders in their gap disciplines. The game changer will be Saquon Barkley. I think he will run all over the Commanders’ defense for over 130 yards. Vic Fangio’s defense will be the other star in this game. Jayden Daniels will be sacked 4+ times and we will finally see the best trio of CBs in the league. The Birds win convincingly.

Eagles 28, Commanders 14  

Mike Mulhern (0-0)

Sunday’s matchup is full of unknowns. Two first-time play callers on offense for both teams. Sean Mannion and David Blough are young, up-and-coming former backup quarterbacks-turned offensive coordinators. Washington’s got a new defensive coordinator to boot in Daronte Jones. Figuring out what to expect in an era of no preseason reps and limited practice access is a bit of a fool’s errand. But early returns in Philadelphia are fairly positive for an offense in flux, while the Commanders experiment moving Jayden Daniels under center seems to be hitting even more speed bumps.

The Eagles’ defense is the one unit that hasn’t undergone wholesale changes. Even without Jonathan Greenard, they should have success up front against a depleted Commanders offensive line. Vic Fangio’s group is loaded and will surely have some surprises for Daniels, Blough, and company. Add in a heavy dose of Saquon Barkley and an electric crowd at the Linc and the Eagles once again walk away with a win in the season opener.

Eagles 28, Commanders 16

Ashlyn Sullivan (0-0)

The Eagles’ defensive line should be able to wreak havoc on a Commanders offensive line that was already weak but is now even weaker with the injury to their starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Brandon Coleman will go in for Tunsil at tackle and Eagles edge rusher Jalyx Hunt should have himself a day with this matchup. Week 1 is always a little weird and the Commanders have the element of surprise with a new offensive coordinator David Blough. I do expect the Eagles’ offense to look a bit clunky to start, but it will be enough to win this game against an opponent that has very little expectations in the division this year.

Eagles 24, Commanders 14 

Ryan Fowler (0-0)

Sunday is all about the trenches. On offense, while questions remain toward play sequencing from Sean Mannion and what the offense will actually look like in a live game setting, leaning on the front five and getting as many touches for Saquon Barkley should be the focus early against an underwhelming Commanders defensive front — despite the presence of Daron Payne and a faster, more athletic LB group headlined by top 10 pick Sonny Styles. Defensively, expect Washington to test Riq Woolen and Philly’s LBs in coverage with explosive TE Chig Okonkwo, but Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis should more than have their way against center Nick Allegretti and company, ultimately limiting space for Washington to execute. I’m also pumped to see Jalyx Hunt go to work. 

Overall, I expect a tight ballgame in Week 1. Washington touts one of football’s most dynamic young QBs in a prove-it year with talent present at the skill positions beyond Terry McLaurin, and a defense that, while underwhelming at corner, will fly around in DC Daronte Jones’ blitz-heavy scheme in an attempt to force turnovers. Washington has enough explosive talent to more than keep it competitive, but Philly’s ability to set the physical tone up front should wear down the Commanders over four quarters. 

Eagles 20, Commanders 17