Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles prediction, pick for NFL Week 8 on Sunday 11/01/26

Philadelphia has lost five straight games, and Washington emerges from its bye at 1-4-1. They’ve squandered talent, downs and scoring opportunities with infuriating regularity. At Northwest Stadium on Sunday night, Philadelphia finally has some offensive progress to build on, just as Washington loses the principal defenders in the middle of the front. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for this week’s NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.

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Commanders vs. Eagles prediction, preview

Washington elevated veteran tackle Byron Cowart after losing defensive tackle Daron Payne to a season-ending foot injury. Fellow tackles Javon Kinlaw and Jer’Zhan Newton are out, too; Newton wasn’t activated from injured reserve. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is available after hamstring and back trouble curtailed his return against Dallas, though Philadelphia cannot assume his usual workload. The Eagles can also turn to fellow backs Jaydon Blue and veteran Elijah Mitchell, elevated for this game.

Against Dallas, the Eagles ran inside zone and duo with useful blocks from their tight ends and receivers. Quarterback Tanner McKee directed touchdown drives of 75, 76 and 84 yards, including a 17-play possession lasting 9:16. Philadelphia made the Cowboys defend every bit of that drive. McKee still averages a dreadful 5.33 YPA and has missed available downfield throws, but his blockers and underneath targets can help him work downfield again against Washington’s replacements.

Eagles receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks remain out, so rookie wideout Makai Lemon gets to build on seven catches from eight targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Dallas Goedert gives McKee another underneath target against a defense allowing tight ends 73.5 receiving yards and 6.2 catches per game. Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones sends extra rushers at the league’s second-highest rate, yet Washington is only tied 22nd in sacks. McKee can complete throws behind those blitzes if Philadelphia identifies and blocks them cleanly.

Eagles vs. Commanders pick, best bet

Philadelphia let Dallas rush for 204 yards at 5.37 YPC while failing to record a sack, quarterback hit or rushing tackle for loss. That was a pitiful afternoon. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, averaging 53.3 rushing yards per game, can attack that run defense and find running back Rachaad White underneath. Tight end Chig Okonkwo caught all seven targets for 69 yards before the bye, too. In receiver Terry McLaurin’s absence, rookie wideout Antonio Williams is expected to handle more work.

Philadelphia’s edge rushers are finally available together, and Washington still converts third downs at the league’s lowest rate. Daniels can lose promising drives to that combination. I’m taking over 40.5 anyway: Philadelphia can run at Washington’s replacements and complete shorter throws behind the blitzes, while Daniels can punish the run fits and tackling Dallas just shredded. Neither defense has earned much confidence in finishing a possession when the opposing offense gives them something manageable to defend.

Best bet: Over 40.5 (-110).

Projected score: Commanders 24, Eagles 20.

Best Bet: Commanders vs. Eagles o40.5 total points scored (-110)