Week 1
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
September 13, 2026
Lincoln Financial Field
NFC East Rivalry
Eagles–Commanders
Nine decades of NFC East venom
A divisional rivalry stretching back to 1934 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington franchise, two geographically close NFC East members. It is regarded as one of the NFL's most heated matchups and recently gained a defining playoff chapter.
The Rivalry
First played in 1934, this rivalry has spanned more than nine decades as a divisional fixture. Washington dominated several early stretches, posting strong records in the 1930s and again in the 1970s, while Philadelphia answered with its own runs, including eight straight wins from 1947 to 1950 and another eight-game streak in the 1990s. The series leans slightly toward Washington in total wins. Its reputation for hostility was cemented by the 1990 "Body Bag Game," after which coach Buddy Ryan's pregame taunt proved grimly accurate. Decades later, the rivalry produced one of its most lopsided results when the teams met for the conference title.
What's at Stake
As NFC East rivals, the Eagles and Commanders meet twice every season with division titles, tiebreakers and playoff seeding regularly at stake. The cities sit only about 140 miles apart along I-95, so fans travel easily and the matchup carries real regional bragging rights. Philadelphia's recent dominance has raised the stakes further.
Famous Moments
- 1948 — Philadelphia won 45-0 on the road, its largest margin of victory in the series.
- 1990 — The "Body Bag Game": Philadelphia's punishing play left numerous Washington players injured.
- 1990 — Washington beat the Eagles 20-6 in an NFC Wild Card game, the teams' first postseason meeting.
- 2010 — The Eagles scored 59 points in Washington in the "Monday Night Massacre."
- 2024 — Philadelphia routed Washington 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game, on the way to a Super Bowl LIX title.
The Eagles–Commanders Games in 2026
The Two Teams
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field · Philadelphia
Founded in 1933, the Eagles have won multiple championships and Super Bowls behind one of the most passionate fanbases in sports.
NFC East
Washington Commanders
Northwest Stadium · Landover
Founded in 1932, the franchise has won five NFL championships, including three Super Bowls.
Plan the Trip
This trip earns a bucket-list spot for combining deep history with a short, doable road route. The Eagles host at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, an open-air stadium famous for its loud and unforgiving crowd. The Commanders play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. With only about 140 miles between the cities, fans can take in both ends of this rivalry in a single season.
Frequently Asked Questions: Eagles–Commanders
The two teams first met in 1934. A divisional rivalry stretching back to 1934 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington franchise, two geographically close NFC East members. It is regarded as one of the NFL's most heated matchups and recently gained a defining playoff chapter.
As NFC East rivals, the Eagles and Commanders meet twice every season with division titles, tiebreakers and playoff seeding regularly at stake. The cities sit only about 140 miles apart along I-95, so fans travel easily and the matchup carries real regional bragging rights. Philadelphia's recent dominance has raised the stakes further.
Yes — they meet 2 times in the 2026 NFL season. The game pages, each with a fan-travel guide, are linked on this page.
Philadelphia Eagles host at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Washington Commanders play at Northwest Stadium in Landover.
