You can feel it in the air the moment you cross the state line into Pennsylvania or drive down toward Landover. It is a specific kind of tension. Honestly, if you grew up a fan of the Burgundy and Gold or the Midnight Green, the Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles rivalry isn't just a couple of games on a calendar. It is a multi-generational grudge match that has survived name changes, stadium moves, and some of the literal "ugliest" football ever played on professional grass.
Most people think of rivalries as being about the wins and losses. Sure, the numbers matter—and as of early 2026, Washington actually holds a razor-thin lead in the all-time regular-season series at 90-87-6. But the real story is in the scar tissue.
The Brutality That Defined an Era
You can't talk about these two teams without mentioning the 1990 "Body Bag Game." That isn't just a catchy nickname; it was a promise kept. Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan basically told the media that Washington would need to be "carted off in body bags."
He wasn't exaggerating much.
By the end of that Monday night, nine Washington players were knocked out of the game. It got so bad that rookie running back Brian Mitchell had to sub in at quarterback because everyone else was incapacitated. That single game cemented a level of animosity that hasn't really dissipated, even three decades later.
Then you have the "Monday Night Massacre" in 2010. Michael Vick looked like a video game character, put up 59 points, and basically dismantled Washington's dignity in three quarters. These aren't just games; they're traumatic events for whichever fan base is on the receiving end.
What's Happening Right Now?
Fast forward to the 2025 season that just wrapped up. If you missed the Week 18 finale on January 4, 2026, you missed one of those "weird" NFC East games that makes no sense on paper. Washington was sitting at a dismal 4-12 going into Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were looking to sharpen up for the postseason.
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Instead, we got the Josh Johnson show.
At 39 years old, Johnson—the ultimate NFL journeyman—led Washington to a 24-17 upset. It was his first win as a starter since 2018. Think about that. A guy who has played for nearly half the league comes in and ruins Philly's regular-season finale. It was a classic "trap game" that proved the old cliche: in this rivalry, records are basically garbage.
Key Milestones from the 2025 Finale:
- Bobby Wagner made history by recording his 2,000th career tackle, joining the legendary company of Ray Lewis and London Fletcher.
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. pounded the rock for 65 yards and a crucial touchdown.
- The win moved the all-time series to 91-88-6 in favor of Washington (including playoffs).
The Jayden Daniels vs. Jalen Hurts Dynamic
The future of the Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles matchup (now officially the Commanders vs. Eagles) is resting on two specific sets of shoulders. Jayden Daniels has breathed life into the D.C. area. Even though 2025 was a "slump" year for the team's record (5-12), Daniels showed flashes of being the real deal.
Remember the December 2024 game? Daniels put up 339 total yards and five touchdowns against a top-tier Philly defense. He became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for five scores and rush for over 65 yards in a single game.
On the other side, Jalen Hurts remains the steady hand. Even when he’s not "lighting the world on fire" with his arm, his ability to manage the game and use Saquon Barkley (who has been a nightmare for Washington's defense lately) keeps the Eagles at the top of the NFC East conversation.
The Names Have Changed, The Hate Hasn't
A lot of fans still search for "Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles" because that’s the history they know. While the team in Washington has moved through the "Football Team" era into the Commanders era, the DNA of the rivalry is identical.
Managing partner Josh Harris has been pretty clear that the old name isn't coming back, but he’s also been smart enough to embrace the "Burgundy and Gold" heritage. Fans are still wearing the old jerseys to Northwest Stadium. They’re still singing the same songs—sorta.
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The complexity here is that the rivalry is transitioning. We are seeing a shift from the old-school "three yards and a cloud of dust" mentality to a high-flying, dual-threat quarterback era. But the physical toll? That hasn't changed. Just ask the guys who had to block Frankie Luvu or try to tackle Saquon Barkley in the open field this past year.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters in 2026
If you’re looking for a safe bet in the NFC East, don't look here. These teams split the series in 2024. They traded blows in 2025.
The Eagles have had the upper hand in the last decade, winning 12 of the last 17 matchups. However, Washington has a weird knack for winning the games they "shouldn't." The 2024 NFC Championship game saw the Eagles blow the doors off Washington 55-23, which felt like a final statement. Yet, a year later, a 39-year-old backup QB beats them in their own house.
That is the beauty—and the frustration—of this specific matchup.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Ignore the Record: When these two play in December or January, the team with the worse record covers the spread more often than you’d think.
- Watch the Injury Report: This is historically one of the most physical games on the NFL schedule. Soft-tissue injuries in the week leading up usually tell you who will struggle in the fourth quarter.
- The "Home Field" Myth: Interestingly, Washington has started to play better at Lincoln Financial Field than at home recently, evidenced by their 2026 season-ending road win.
- Player Props: Focus on the dual-threat QB rushing yards. Both Hurts and Daniels tend to "tuck and run" more often against divisional rivals when the pocket gets muddy.
The Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles rivalry is one of the oldest in the league, dating back to 1934. Whether you call them the Commanders or the old moniker, the 185 meetings between these two franchises have produced more drama than most divisional matchups see in a century. As we look toward the 2026 season, the question isn't who is better on paper. It's who can survive the inevitable chaos that happens when these two cities collide.
Keep an eye on the 2026 Draft order. Washington’s Week 18 win actually "hurt" their draft position, locking them into the No. 7 pick. But for the fans in the stands that day, beating Philly was worth more than a couple of slots in the first round. That’s just how this rivalry works.