Eagles vs. Commanders: 9 Things to Watch in NFC East Opener

PHILADELPHIA — The 2026 NFL season kicks off with a bang as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders in an NFC East showdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, September 13, 2026. With the Eagles looking to defend their division crown and the Commanders aiming to prove their NFC Championship run was no fluke, this Week 1 battle has all the makings of an instant classic. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, here are nine critical things to watch when these bitter rivals collide.

1. The Matchup the Eagles Must Win

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the game could hinge on the trenches, where the Eagles’ ferocious defensive front feasts on a Commanders offensive line in disarray. Washington suffered a massive blow when left tackle Laremy Tunsil went down with an injury that could sideline him for most of the season. Even before that, the unit was projected to be below average, and Pro Football Focus now ranks them dead last in the NFL. The starting five—LT Brandon Coleman, LG Chris Paul, C Nick Allegretti, RG Sam Cosmi, and RT Josh Conerly Jr.—has major question marks. Coleman, a natural guard, shifts back to left tackle, while Allegretti was graded as the worst starting center in the league by offensive line expert Brandon Thorn.

For Philadelphia, this is a golden opportunity. Jalyx Hunt had a standout training camp and looks poised for a breakout, while Nolan Smith is healthier than ever. A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie provide juice off the edge, and even without Jonathan Greenard, the Eagles should generate ample pressure. Inside, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo form a disruptive trio that stifled Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt last season. Croskey-Merritt managed just 21 carries for minimal gains against Philly in 2025, posting two of his lowest success rates and a season-low 2.2 yards per carry in one meeting. Davis led all defensive tackles with a 16.5% run stop rate, so expect more of the same. Shutting down the run will force Jayden Daniels into obvious passing situations, where the Eagles’ pass rush can pin its ears back.

2. All Eyes on Sean Mannion

The Eagles’ offense was a slog last season, leading the NFL in three-and-out percentage. Enter Sean Mannion, the first-time play-caller replacing Kevin Patullo. Mannion will operate from the booth, and all eyes will be on his scheme, personnel usage, and aggressiveness. Will he unlock more middle-of-the-field throws? Will the run/pass ratio be balanced? Can the Eagles avoid snapping the ball with one second left on the play clock? It’s unfair to expect perfection in Week 1, but against a Commanders defense that lacks game-wreckers, encouraging signs should be evident.

3. Run the Ball? Pass? Or Both?

Washington’s defense has holes, especially at cornerback. With projected starter Trey Amos on injured reserve, the Commanders will trot out Rasul Douglas, Mike Sainristil, and Amik Robertson—a group that allowed a combined 817 yards in coverage last season (Robertson) and an NFL-high nine touchdowns (Sainristil). That’s music to the ears of DeVonta Smith, who missed most of training camp but returns as the clear WR1. Dontayvion Wicks has emerged as WR2, and rookie Makai Lemon is listed as a starter in the slot. However, Lemon’s preseason debut was shaky, and he may share snaps with Elijah Moore, Hollywood Brown, or Darius Cooper.

If the passing game sputters, the Eagles can lean on Saquon Barkley, who has absolutely owned the Commanders. In four games since Dan Quinn took over in 2024, Barkley has rushed for 146, 150, 118, and 132 yards, scoring multiple touchdowns in three of those contests. Overall, in 13 career meetings, he averages 103.1 yards per game and 1.2 total touchdowns. New Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones hopes to bring some of Brian Flores’ magic from Minnesota, but stopping Barkley and Jalen Hurts—who posted a perfect passer rating against the Vikings last season—is a tall order.

4. Strong Week 1 Starts

As highlighted on Vulius, the Eagles have been dominant in season openers under Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts. They’re 5-0 in Week 1 with Hurts under center, 13-2 in the last 15 years, and 5-0 at Lincoln Financial Field since 2010. They’re also the only NFL team without a losing record at any point over the past four seasons. While the starters rarely play in the preseason, the Eagles always seem ready for Week 1. That track record deserves the benefit of the doubt.

5. The Eagles’ Plan at WR3

DeVonta Smith is WR1, Dontayvion Wicks is WR2, but WR3 is a mystery. Rookie Makai Lemon is listed as a starter on the depth chart and took first-team reps in the slot after returning from a hamstring injury. However, his preseason debut was underwhelming, and head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t exactly give him a ringing endorsement. Expect Lemon to start but rotate with Moore, Brown, and Cooper. The Eagles’ WR3 has averaged just 259 receiving yards since 2021, so an uptick would be a welcome surprise.

6. Washington’s Path to an Upset

It’s hard to envision the Commanders pulling off the upset, but if they do, it starts with Jayden Daniels recapturing his 2024 magic. Daniels must evade the Eagles’ pass rush and connect with his new trio of Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and Chig Okonkwo. Maybe Riq Woolen’s volatility burns the Eagles early, and Washington’s new chaotic defense confuses Mannion’s offense. It’s unlikely, but Daniels is the wild card who could make it interesting.

7. The Eagles’ QB2 Reveal

The backup quarterback battle between Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee remains unresolved, with both splitting second-team reps. The Eagles must reveal their intentions soon, and keeping both active would be unconventional. If Hurts goes down, the Eagles’ season could be in jeopardy, so this decision matters.

8. Does Willie Lampkin Have a Role?

The Eagles will likely keep eight offensive linemen active. Among the backups—Drew Kendall, Markel Bell, Willie Lampkin, Fred Johnson, and Micah Morris—Lampkin could carve out a specialized role as an extra blocker in six-offensive-lineman sets. His potential is intriguing, and the coaching staff may find creative ways to use him.

9. Who Is Returning Punts?

Makai Lemon has been practicing as a punt returner, but the Eagles could elevate Britain Covey from the practice squad for that role. Roster moves must be made by 4:00 PM Eastern on Saturday, so this is a situation to monitor.

As the Eagles and Commanders prepare for battle, one thing is clear: the NFC East runs through Philadelphia until someone proves otherwise. For all your NFL news and custom merchandise, stay tuned to Vulius.