The NFC East is basically a gauntlet of chaos every year. If you’re trying to figure out when do the eagles and commanders play, you aren't just looking for a date on a calendar; you’re looking for the next chapter in a rivalry that has recently turned into a legitimate heavyweight fight. For a long time, the Eagles kind of dominated this matchup, but things changed fast. With Jayden Daniels breathing new life into the DMV and Jalen Hurts leading a loaded Philly roster, these games are officially "must-watch" TV again.
Don't expect a blowout. These teams play each other with a level of grit that usually leaves half the roster in the cold tub for a week.
The 2024-2025 Matchup Breakdown
Most fans are looking at the immediate horizon. If you missed the first clash or you're already scouting the next one, the NFL schedule-makers usually save these divisional gems for the back half of the season when the stakes are sky-high. In the 2024 season, the scheduling was particularly brutal.
The first meeting happened on Thursday Night Football, November 14, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field. It was one of those nights where Philly’s "Linc" felt like a pressure cooker. Saquon Barkley basically took over the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns in a span of about 20 seconds of game time. It was a statement win for Philadelphia, 26-18, but Washington proved they weren't the "same old Commanders" by hanging tough until the final minutes.
The rematch is the one everyone has circled right now. The Eagles head to Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM ET on FOX.
Why does this specific date matter so much? It's Week 16. By late December, the playoff seeding in the NFC is usually a mess of tiebreakers and "what-if" scenarios. If Philly is chasing the 1-seed or Washington is trying to clinch a Wild Card spot, this game becomes the centerpiece of the NFL weekend. Honestly, playing in Landover in December is never pretty. The field conditions have historically been a bit... questionable, and the wind can whip through that stadium in a way that makes deep passing a nightmare.
Why This Rivalry Feels Different in 2025 and Beyond
For a few years, this felt like a lopsided affair. But the arrival of Dan Quinn in Washington and the emergence of a truly elite dual-threat quarterback in Jayden Daniels has flipped the script. We are seeing a shift.
The Commanders aren't just playing for pride anymore; they’re built to mirror the Eagles' physicality. When we look at when do the eagles and commanders play in the future, we have to consider the roster construction. Both teams are leaning heavily into mobile quarterbacks and dominant defensive lines. It's like watching two mirrors fight.
The Jalen Hurts vs. Jayden Daniels Era
This is the new "it" matchup in the division. You have Hurts, the seasoned leader who has been to a Super Bowl, going up against the explosive rookie-of-the-year type talent in Daniels.
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- Hurts' Approach: He’s stoic. He wins with the "Tush Push" (or the Brotherly Shove, depending on who you ask) and vertical shots to A.J. Brown.
- Daniels' Approach: He’s electric. He creates something out of nothing. His ability to escape the Eagles' pass rush—led by guys like Jalen Carter—is what makes the Washington side of the ball so dangerous now.
It’s a contrast in styles that works. Philly wants to grind you into the dirt. Washington wants to track-meet you.
How the Schedule is Built (The Math Behind the Matchups)
NFL scheduling isn't random. It’s a formula. Because the Eagles and Commanders are in the NFC East, they are guaranteed to play twice every single season. One game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and one game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Typically, the NFL tries to split these games up. You’ll rarely see them play in back-to-back weeks. Usually, there’s at least a 4 to 6-week gap between the first and second meetings. This allows for injuries to heal—or new ones to occur—and for coaching staffs to adjust their schemes based on what happened in the first game.
If you are planning a trip for the 2025 season, expect a similar pattern. One game will likely land in the October window, and the second will almost certainly be a "Late Season Decider" in December or early January. The NFL loves putting NFC East matchups in the final weeks because the TV ratings are consistently the highest in the league. People love watching these teams hate each other.
Ticket Tactics: Getting Into the Stadium
If you're looking for when do the eagles and commanders play because you actually want to be there in person, you need a strategy. Tickets for the game in Philly are notoriously difficult to get. The Eagles have a season ticket waiting list that is basically decades long. Your best bet is the secondary market (SeatGeek, StubHub, Ticketmaster), but be prepared to pay a "rivalry tax." Prices for Commanders games at the Linc usually jump about 20% compared to out-of-conference games.
In Washington, the vibe is changing. For years, Eagles fans would "take over" the stadium in Maryland because Washington fans were frustrated with the previous ownership. Now that the vibes have shifted under Josh Harris, Washington fans are actually showing up again. It’s harder for Philly fans to find those cheap seats in Landover than it used to be.
- Buy early for the December game: Prices usually spike the week of the game if playoff implications are on the line.
- Check the "Obstructed View": At the Commanders' stadium, be very careful with lower-level seats under the overhang. Some of those pillars are legendary for blocking the actual football game.
- Tailgating: Both cities have elite tailgating. In Philly, it’s all about the South Philly sports complex lots. In Washington, it’s about the Redzone Lot. If you're an Eagles fan in Landover, wear the jersey, but keep it respectful—the rivalry is getting heated again.
Tactical Nuance: What to Watch on the Field
When these two teams meet, the game is usually decided in the trenches. The Eagles have invested more draft capital in their offensive and defensive lines than almost any team in the league. Washington, under the new regime, is trying to catch up.
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Keep an eye on the Commanders' offensive line versus the Eagles' interior rush. In their last few meetings, the Eagles found success by confusing Washington’s protections with "simulated pressures." Essentially, they look like they’re blitzing six guys but only drop four into coverage. If Daniels can’t diagnose that quickly, it’s going to be a long afternoon for the Burgundy and Gold.
Conversely, the Eagles’ secondary has been their "Achilles' heel" at times. Terry McLaurin, often called "Scary Terry," has a history of torching Eagles cornerbacks. Whether it’s Darius Slay or the younger guys like Quinyon Mitchell, someone has to shadow McLaurin or he will rack up 100 yards before halftime.
History and "The Body Bag Game" Mentality
You can't talk about when do the eagles and commanders play without acknowledging the history. This isn't just a game; it's decades of bad blood. Older fans still talk about the 1990 "Body Bag Game" where the Eagles' defense knocked nine Washington players out of the game.
That specific brand of intensity hasn't really left. Even in "down" years for either franchise, these games are physical. It’s common to see more penalties, more trash-talking, and more post-whistle shoving in this matchup than when they play teams like the Giants or the Cowboys. There’s a proximity factor too. The cities are only about two hours apart. Fans live, work, and argue alongside each other every day.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're tracking the schedule, here is exactly what you should do to stay ahead:
- Download the NFL App: Set notifications specifically for "NFC East News." This is the fastest way to know if a game gets "flexed." The NFL can move Sunday afternoon games to Sunday Night Football with as little as 12 days' notice.
- Watch the Injury Reports: Both teams play a physical style. Check the Wednesday injury reports before the December 22nd game. If Philly’s offensive tackles are banged up, the Commanders' pass rush becomes a much bigger factor.
- Monitor the Standings: If the Eagles clinch the division early, they might rest Jalen Hurts in the final matchup. If you're buying tickets to see the stars, make sure the game actually matters for the standings.
- Book Hotels in D.C. Early: If you're traveling from Philly to the Landover game, stay in the city (D.C.) rather than right by the stadium. The stadium area doesn't have much, and the Metro ride is part of the experience.
The NFC East title almost always goes through these two teams. Whether it's a muddy battle in December or a high-scoring affair in the Philly sun, the Eagles vs. Commanders game is the heartbeat of the division. Stay tuned to the flex scheduling, keep an eye on the rookie progress in Washington, and get ready for some of the most intense football of the year.