Two struggling NFC East rivals meet under the primetime lights as the 1-4-1 Washington Commanders host the 2-4 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles won the first meeting 24-22 in Week 1, but both teams have changed significantly since then.
Key Injuries
Philadelphia will be without star quarterback Jalen Hurts for the rest of the season due to blood clots. Running back Saquon Barkley will play despite hamstring and back issues, while wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quad) are out. Washington loses top receiver Terry McLaurin for the season with a torn patellar tendon, and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw are also sidelined.
Team Statistics
The Eagles offense ranks 29th in points per game and 32nd in yards per play. The Commanders defense allows the second-most points per game (31st) and ranks 22nd in yards per play allowed. Washington's offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, has shown improvement recently; Daniels threw for 199 yards and rushed for 103 yards with two touchdowns in a tie against the Giants, then posted his second career 300-yard passing game against the 49ers.
Prediction
Despite Washington's home-field advantage, a bye week, and being a 6-point favorite, the Eagles' defensive talent and Washington's six-game primetime losing streak point to a close Philadelphia victory. Projected score: Eagles 20, Commanders 17.
