Few rivalries in the NFC East have endured with as much passion and history as the one between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. Spanning nearly a century of football, this matchup has produced unforgettable moments, dramatic finishes, and some of the most heated games in divisional play.
As of the 2025 season, these two franchises continue to shape each other’s fate — both fighting for supremacy in one of football’s toughest divisions. Let’s explore their statistical story, historical rivalry, and what recent trends reveal about this enduring battle.
Historical Overview
The Commanders and Eagles first met in the late 1930s, and since then, they’ve faced off more than 180 times in regular-season and playoff competition.
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All-Time Record: Washington leads the all-time series with approximately 90 wins, while Philadelphia trails closely with around 86 victories, along with a handful of ties.
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Postseason Meetings: They’ve clashed twice in the playoffs — each team winning once. Washington won their postseason duel in the early 1990s, while Philadelphia claimed a dominant playoff victory in the 2024 NFC Championship Game.
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Longest Winning Streaks: Washington’s longest run against Philadelphia came during the 1930s and 1940s, winning 11 straight. The Eagles later countered with streaks of five or more games on multiple occasions, including during their Super Bowl era in the late 2010s.
Over the decades, the rivalry has evolved — from defensive slugfests in the 1980s to high-scoring quarterback duels in modern times.
Recent Seasons: 2023–2025
In recent years, the Commanders Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles have delivered some of the NFC’s most entertaining games.
Regular Season Showdowns
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In the 2024 season, both teams split their regular-season series 1–1.
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The Eagles won the first meeting 26–18, with Jalen Hurts leading an efficient offense built on quick passes and a balanced running attack.
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The Commanders answered late in the season with a 36–33 victory, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who threw for five touchdowns and ran for over 80 yards in one of the most dynamic performances of the year.
That game showcased the Commanders’ ability to strike explosively, even when plagued by turnovers. Daniels’ combination of mobility and poise gave Washington an upset win and raised eyebrows across the league.
The 2024 NFC Championship Game
The rivalry reached new intensity when both teams met in the 2024 NFC Championship.
Philadelphia entered the game with momentum, fielding the league’s top-ranked rushing offense and a defense that thrived on pressuring quarterbacks. Washington, meanwhile, had surprised critics by reaching the conference title game behind its emerging young quarterback and an opportunistic defense.
Game Summary:
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Final Score: Eagles 55, Commanders 23
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Total Yards: Philadelphia over 480; Washington around 310
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Turnovers: Washington committed four (three fumbles, one interception), which heavily tilted the game.
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Key Player: Running back Saquon Barkley exploded for multiple long touchdown runs, amassing more than 150 yards from scrimmage.
Philadelphia’s offensive line dominated, opening huge lanes for Barkley while Hurts delivered precise passes to exploit Washington’s secondary. The Eagles scored on seven rushing touchdowns — a record for an NFC title game — and advanced to the Super Bowl.
For Washington, the game was a harsh lesson in experience and ball security. Yet, despite the loss, it marked a turning point for the franchise, signaling a young core capable of competing deep into the postseason.
Statistical Comparison (as of 2025)
| Category | Washington Commanders | Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Series | ~90 Wins | ~86 Wins |
| Average Points per Game (Last 5 Meetings) | 27.4 | 31.6 |
| Average Yards per Game (2024 Season) | 347.8 | 381.2 |
| Turnover Differential (2024) | –4 | +8 |
| Red Zone Efficiency (2024) | 55% | 63% |
| Rushing Yards per Game (2024) | 129.5 | 142.1 |
| Passing Touchdowns (2024) | 29 | 32 |
The stats underline the Eagles’ offensive balance — a blend of power running and efficient passing. Washington, meanwhile, has been more volatile but explosive, capable of big plays both through the air and on the ground.
Key Players to Watch
Philadelphia Eagles
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Jalen Hurts (QB):
The engine of the Eagles’ offense, Hurts remains a dual-threat nightmare. His ability to extend plays and attack defenses with both his arm and legs makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in football. -
Saquon Barkley (RB):
Since joining the Eagles, Barkley has been a game-changer. Against Washington, he’s averaged well over 130 total yards per game, often breaking off chunk plays that swing momentum. -
A.J. Brown (WR):
A physical and explosive receiver, Brown’s size and catch radius create constant matchup problems for Washington’s secondary.
Washington Commanders
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Jayden Daniels (QB):
The rookie sensation has quickly emerged as the face of the Commanders’ rebuild. His Week 16 performance against Philadelphia — five passing touchdowns and 81 rushing yards — proved he can produce under pressure. -
Terry McLaurin (WR):
A consistent deep threat and leader on offense, McLaurin’s chemistry with Daniels continues to grow. -
Jonathan Allen (DL):
The heart of Washington’s defensive front, Allen will be key to disrupting Hurts’ rhythm and limiting Barkley’s ground gains.
Tactical Breakdown
1. Offensive Identity
Philadelphia relies on tempo, versatility, and physicality. Their offensive line — widely regarded as one of the best in the league — allows Hurts to dictate the pace. Washington, by contrast, is still shaping its identity under a new coaching regime, blending designed QB runs with quick, spread formations that maximize Daniels’ athleticism.
2. Defensive Matchup
The Commanders’ defense thrives on aggressive blitzing and inside pressure, but that approach can be punished by a mobile quarterback like Hurts. The Eagles’ defense, meanwhile, has emphasized takeaway-driven football — forcing fumbles and capitalizing on mistakes, which proved decisive in several meetings.
3. Special Teams & Field Position
Philadelphia holds a slight advantage in average starting field position and special teams efficiency. Washington has improved its return game, but consistency remains an issue in close contests.
Intangibles and X-Factors
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Quarterback Health: If Hurts remains fully healthy, Philadelphia’s offense is nearly unstoppable. But if he’s limited, the Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles rhythm can collapse, as seen when he exited early in their 2024 regular-season loss.
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Rookie Momentum: Jayden Daniels’ confidence and poise will define Washington’s offensive ceiling. His decision-making against complex coverage schemes remains the next hurdle in his development.
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Coaching Adjustments: The Commanders’ defensive coordinator has emphasized creating confusion with pre-snap disguises, while Philadelphia’s coaching staff excels at countering those tactics through motion and option reads.
Outlook for 2025
Heading into the 2025 campaign, both teams are legitimate playoff contenders. The Eagles remain favorites to win the NFC East, bolstered by continuity and veteran leadership. Washington, however, is a fast-rising challenger with young talent on both sides of the ball.
Expect their upcoming meetings to carry significant playoff implications. Each game between them has become more than just a divisional clash — it’s a test of identity and resilience.
Prediction for Next Matchup
The Commanders’ improved offense gives them a chance to compete, but the Eagles’ depth and experience should provide the edge.
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Projected Score: Eagles 31, Commanders 27
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Key Difference: Turnovers and red-zone efficiency — areas where Philadelphia consistently outperforms Washington.
Still, Washington’s evolution under Jayden Daniels ensures this rivalry will remain one of the most exciting in football for years to come.
Conclusion
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles rivalry has always embodied the spirit of the NFC East: physical, unpredictable, and fiercely competitive. While history leans slightly toward Washington, recent years have seen Philadelphia assert dominance when it matters most.
As the 2025 season unfolds, both teams find themselves in transition — one fine-tuning a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the other building toward its own championship aspirations. Their meetings are no longer mere divisional games; they’re statements of who controls the future of the East.
