The NFC East is a meat grinder. Honestly, if you aren't ready for a physical, ugly, three-hour brawl, you probably shouldn't be watching when the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles get together. Fans always want to know exactly when do the Commanders play the Eagles, and for the 2025-2026 cycle, the schedule makers have dropped some absolute gems on us. It isn't just about the dates on the calendar, though. It’s about the fact that these two franchises basically loathe each other, and lately, the gap between them has started to shrink in ways that make Philly fans a little nervous.
The 2025-2026 Commanders vs. Eagles Matchups
You need to circle your calendar. For the current season, these divisional rivals are set to clash in two high-stakes games that will likely determine who actually has a shot at the postseason and who is just playing for a better draft pick.
The first meeting happens in Week 11, on Thursday, November 13, 2025. It’s a primetime slot on Amazon Prime Video. There’s something specifically chaotic about Thursday Night Football, especially when it involves the NFC East. Players are tired. The prep time is nonexistent. Usually, these games turn into defensive struggles or absolute track meets, and having it at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia means the atmosphere is going to be hostile, to say the least.
Then, the scene shifts. The second leg of this season's series takes place in Week 16, on December 22, 2025. This one is a Monday Night Football special at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) in Landover, Maryland. Think about that for a second. Right before Christmas, under the lights, with potential playoff seeding on the line. It’s the kind of game that defines a season.
Why the Schedule Matters More This Year
The timing of these games is brutal. Late-season divisional matchups are always heavy, but having both games in the final seven weeks of the season means there’s no room for error. If the Commanders drop that first one in Philly, they are staring down a must-win scenario in December just to stay relevant.
Last year, we saw Washington start to find an identity under Jayden Daniels. The kid is legit. He’s fast, he’s got a cannon, and he doesn’t seem to rattle easily. Philly, on the other hand, is always a juggernaut as long as Jalen Hurts is healthy and Saquon Barkley is hitting those holes. When you ask when do the Commanders play the Eagles, you're really asking when we get to see if Washington’s rebuild is actually ahead of schedule.
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Breaking Down the Rivalry Dynamics
The history here is deep. We aren't just talking about a few games; we are talking about decades of bad blood. Remember the "Body Bag Game" in 1990? That’s the kind of energy this rivalry carries.
Washington has spent a long time in the cellar, but things feel different now. The ownership change from Dan Snyder to the Josh Harris group brought a sense of competency that had been missing for twenty years. You can feel it in the stadium. You can see it in the roster construction. Dan Quinn has brought a defensive nastiness back to DC that reminds people of the Joe Gibbs era, even if they aren't quite at that championship level yet.
Philly fans usually travel well. If you go to the game in Landover on December 22, expect to see a lot of green. It’s a short drive down I-95. That creates a weird, split-crowd dynamic that usually fires up the players. Honestly, the Commanders have struggled to protect their home turf against the Eagles' "takeover" in recent years, but winning games is the only way to fix that.
Key Players to Watch
- Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders): He is the X-factor. If he can use his legs to neutralize the Eagles' pass rush, Washington has a chance.
- A.J. Brown (WR, Eagles): He has historically torched Washington’s secondary. If the Commanders can't double-team him effectively, it’s going to be a long night.
- Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders): "Scary Terry" remains one of the most underrated receivers in the league. He thrives in these big-game moments.
- Jalen Carter (DT, Eagles): He’s a monster in the middle. If Washington’s offensive line can't contain him, Daniels won't have time to breathe.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There is a common misconception that the Eagles just steamroll Washington every time they play. That’s just not true. Even when the Commanders (or the Redskins/Football Team) were bad, they played Philly tough.
Look at the 2022 season. The Eagles were 8-0, looking invincible. Washington went into Philadelphia on a Monday night and absolutely bullied them. They ran the ball, controlled the clock, and handed the Eagles their first loss of the season. It shocked everyone except the people in that locker room.
Divisional games are "throw out the record book" games. The players know each other too well. The coaches have too much film. It becomes a chess match of adjustments. So, when people say the Eagles should win by two touchdowns, don't bet the house on it. These games are almost always closer than the Vegas spread suggests.
How to Get Tickets for Commanders vs. Eagles
If you're looking to attend, you’ve got to be smart. Ticket prices for NFC East games are notoriously high, especially for the December 22nd game in Washington because it’s a holiday week.
- Check Secondary Markets Early: Sites like SeatGeek and StubHub are your best bet, but prices fluctuate based on the previous week's performance. If the Commanders win in Week 15, expect Week 16 prices to skyrocket.
- The "Linc" Experience: If you're a Commanders fan going to Philly on November 13, wear your colors but be prepared for some heavy chirping. Philly fans are legendary for their... enthusiasm.
- Northwest Stadium Logistics: Parking in Landover is still a nightmare. It’s just the reality of the stadium's location. If you’re going to the Monday night game, leave work early. Seriously. The traffic on I-495 and Route 202 is soul-crushing on game days.
The Playoff Implications
By the time when do the Commanders play the Eagles comes around for that second game in December, the NFC playoff picture will be clear. Or, more likely, it will be a complete mess.
The Dallas Cowboys are always in the mix, and the New York Giants—well, they’re trying. But the path to the division title almost always goes through Philadelphia. For Washington, these two games are the litmus test. If they can split the series 1-1, they’re in great shape for a Wild Card spot. If they get swept? It’s probably curtains for their season.
There is also the "spoiler" element. Even if one team is out of the hunt, there is nothing they love more than ruining the other team's season. If Washington is 5-9 heading into that December game and the Eagles are fighting for the #1 seed, you better believe the Commanders will play like it’s the Super Bowl.
Strategy and Coaching
Nick Sirianni and Dan Quinn represent two very different styles. Sirianni is high-energy, aggressive, and sometimes polarizing. Quinn is more of the "steady hand" defensive mastermind.
The battle of the coordinators will be just as important. Keeping Jalen Hurts in the pocket is the priority for Washington. If he gets outside and starts extending plays, the secondary will eventually break down. On the flip side, the Eagles' defense has to account for the read-option with Daniels. It’s a nightmare to scheme against a quarterback who can run a 4.4 forty.
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Final Logistics for Fans
If you're watching from home, make sure your streaming game is on point. Since the first game is on Amazon Prime, you need a subscription. The second game is on ESPN/ABC for Monday Night Football.
Pro Tip: If you’re a local fan in the DC or Philly markets, these games are usually broadcast on local over-the-air channels even if they are on cable/streaming. Check your local listings so you don't get caught trying to find a login five minutes before kickoff.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Secure your transport: If you’re heading to Landover for the December 22nd game, book a Metro-accessible hotel or look into private shuttle services. The parking lots are expensive and slow to exit.
- Monitor the injury report: Both teams have had issues staying healthy in the trenches. Check the status of the offensive lines starting the Tuesday before each game. A backup tackle against a Pro Bowl edge rusher is a recipe for a blowout.
- Gear up: If you’re buying jerseys, do it now. Shipping delays during the holiday season are real, and you don't want your new Jayden Daniels jersey arriving on December 23rd.
- Download the apps: Both the Commanders and Eagles official apps provide real-time updates on stadium entry, digital tickets, and even which concession stands have the shortest lines.
This rivalry isn't just a game; it's a twice-a-year event that shuts down cities. Whether you're at the Linc or watching from a bar in Arlington, the energy is undeniable. We finally have a timeframe for when do the Commanders play the Eagles, and now all that's left is to see who survives the gridiron.