Last year, the Washington Commanders were one of the surprise teams in the NFL, snagging a wild card berth before winning two straight road games to make the NFC Championship Game. Their season ended in Philadelphia, as the Eagles smashed them 55-23 on their way to a Super Bowl title.
This year, Washington’s season will once again end in Philadelphia, but under much different circumstances. The Eagles have punched their ticket to the postseason, while the Commanders will have to pick up the pieces and head home to contemplate a disappointing season.
Philadelphia is a 4.5-point home favorite with -198 moneyline odds, while Washington sits at +164 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 38.5 points. Let’s dig into this Commanders vs. Eagles matchup.
Commanders vs. Eagles prediction, preview
Injuries and rest always loom large in the final week of the regular season. The Eagles have already clinched home-field advantage for the Wild Card round, but cannot jump up to the No. 1 seed. Instead of battling for a shot at the No. 2 seed, Philly is going to rest a lot of its starters and get ready for the postseason.
It’s unclear exactly who will rest in this one, but head coach Nick Sirianni indicated that the starters who don’t rest would play limited snaps, if any. It sounds like just about everyone important will be sitting.
No such rest is being granted to the Commanders. Despite their 4-12 record, head coach Dan Quinn says that everyone healthy enough to play will be out there. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include his top two quarterbacks, meaning veteran journeyman Josh Johnson will be out there once again.
The vagueness of Sirianni’s rest plan creates significant doubt about this game. If they were playing half their starters, I’d feel confident in a win. But sitting most of his stars will cause problems. Can the Eagles beat up on their division rivals once again? Or will the Commanders walk off the field with their chins held high?
Commanders vs. Eagles pick, best bet
The chaos of Week 18 makes for some fun betting. If Philadelphia sits everyone, they’re no better than the 2-14 Raiders. Still, the Commanders have an injured roster led by a 39-year-old journeyman, who has a 1-9 career record as a starter.
I think Philly wins to boost their chances for the No. 2 seed, but I’m not confident enough to take their spread. Instead, let’s roll with something I’m far plausible: these two offenses being entirely unwatchable.
