Eagles-Commanders Set for Saturday Spotlight in Week 16 - And It Could Mean Everything for Philly
The NFL has locked in its Week 16 Saturday doubleheader, and the Philadelphia Eagles will be front and center. They'll head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Commanders on December 20, kicking off the FOX doubleheader at 5:00 p.m.
EST. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will follow in the primetime slot at 8:20 p.m.
Now, on paper, Eagles vs. Commanders might not scream marquee matchup. But don’t be fooled - this game could carry major postseason implications, especially for Philadelphia.
A Division Title in Reach, But No Room for Error
The Eagles come into this one sitting atop the NFC East at 8-4, two games clear of the Dallas Cowboys. That’s the good news.
The not-so-good news? Philly has dropped two straight, and with the NFC’s top seed still up for grabs, the margin for error is razor-thin.
This isn’t just about beating a division rival. This is about keeping pace - or potentially catching - the 9-3 Chicago Bears, who currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC after handing the Eagles a tough loss on Black Friday. If Philadelphia wants home-field advantage in the playoffs, this is the kind of game they simply have to win.
Washington’s Role? Spoiler - and Maybe More
As for the Commanders, it’s been a rough ride in 2025. Sitting at 3-9, they’ve been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency.
The big question heading into Week 16 is whether rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back under center. He’s been sidelined with an arm injury, and with Washington officially out of the playoff hunt, there’s no guarantee the team risks putting him back on the field.
If Daniels is healthy and cleared to play, it adds a layer of intrigue. He’s shown flashes of high-level talent this season, and a chance to play spoiler against a division rival could be just the kind of motivation this young team needs. But if the Commanders decide to keep him on ice, it could be a long day for Washington’s offense against a Philadelphia defense that’s still one of the most physical in the league.
Stakes Are High - Even If the Records Don’t Say So
This game might not have the playoff implications many expected when the schedule first dropped, but make no mistake - the Eagles can’t afford to overlook this one. Washington has nothing to lose, and that can be dangerous. The Commanders would love nothing more than to throw a wrench into Philly’s postseason plans.
For the Eagles, Week 16 offers a chance to steady the ship, lock down the NFC East, and keep their eyes on a bigger prize: the No. 1 seed. But they’ll need to handle business first - and that starts with not letting Washington hang around.
It’s December football. The lights are brighter, the pressure’s higher, and for Philadelphia, everything is still on the table.