So, you’re looking for the final word on the scoreboard. It’s been a wild ride lately for anyone following the I-95 corridor rivalry. If you’re asking what's the score of the philadelphia washington game because you missed the most recent NFL showdown, the short answer is 24-17. Washington took that one. It wasn't the result most folks in Philly were expecting, especially with the playoffs looming, but that’s divisional football for you. It’s messy, unpredictable, and usually involves a backup quarterback making the play of his life.
The game, which wrapped up the regular season on January 4, 2026, was a bit of a heartbreaker for the Birds. Philadelphia went into Lincoln Financial Field with a chance to lock down a higher seed, but instead, they watched a 39-year-old Josh Johnson scramble for a touchdown to seal their fate. It’s the kind of game that leaves a fan base staring at the ceiling at 2:00 AM wondering why they didn't just run the ball more.
Breaking Down the 24-17 Commanders Victory
Honestly, the stats tell a story of "what could have been." Philadelphia actually outgained Washington in total yardage, 307 to 274. Usually, when you outgain an opponent and your defense only allows under 300 yards, you walk away with a "W." Not this time. The Commanders played a disciplined game while the Eagles struggled with penalties—nine of them for 123 yards. You just can’t win in the NFL when you’re handing out over 100 yards in free real estate.
Tanner McKee was under center for Philly, finishing 21-of-40 for 241 yards. He had his moments, like that 15-yard strike to Grant Calcaterra, but the rhythm just wasn't there consistently. On the other side, Josh Johnson was the ultimate professional. He didn't blow the roof off the stadium with his arm—131 passing yards—but his legs were the difference-maker. That 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter was the dagger.
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It’s worth mentioning that Jalyx Hunt was a bright spot for the Eagles. The kid is becoming a problem for opposing coordinators. He had a diving interception and a fumble recovery that basically kept Philadelphia in the game when the offense was stalling. Without those turnovers, the score might have looked a lot uglier than 24-17.
Key Moments from the Matchup
- The Lead Change: Philadelphia actually led 17-10 in the third quarter after a Tank Bigsby touchdown and a Jake Elliott field goal. It felt like they were going to pull away.
- The Fourth Quarter Collapse: Washington scored 14 unanswered points in the final frame.
- The PI Calls: A few defensive pass interference calls against Philadelphia kept Washington drives alive when they should have ended. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for the secondary.
- The Milestone: DeVonta Smith reached his third career 1,000-yard season during the game, which is a small silver lining for an otherwise frustrating afternoon.
What's the score of the philadelphia washington game in other sports?
If you weren't looking for football, you might be thinking about the hardwood. The Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards just faced off on January 7, 2026. That one was a blowout. The 76ers cruised to a 131-110 victory behind a dominant performance from Joel Embiid and Paul George. Embiid dropped 28, and honestly, he looked like he was barely breaking a sweat.
The Wizards are in a weird spot. They just traded for Trae Young, but he wasn't available for that specific beatdown. When he gets on the court, that rivalry might actually get some teeth again. For now, Philly owns the matchup in the NBA.
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As for the ice? The Flyers and Capitals have been trading blows all season. While the Flyers actually played the Rangers today (and lost 6-3, unfortunately), their recent history with Washington has been a defensive struggle. Most of their games lately have been decided by a single goal, usually in overtime.
Why these results changed the playoff picture
The 24-17 loss to the Commanders wasn't just a regular loss for the Eagles. It was a seeding disaster. By dropping that game, Philadelphia fell to the No. 3 seed in the NFC. That meant instead of a potential bye or a "softer" matchup, they had to prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round.
Washington, meanwhile, finished their season 5-12. They weren't playing for a trophy; they were playing for pride and a better draft pick (which ended up being the 7th overall). It’s the ultimate "spoiler" scenario. They didn't make the playoffs, but they made sure Philadelphia’s road to the Super Bowl got a whole lot steeper.
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What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think the Eagles "tanked" because they rested some starters. While Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley didn't play, the guys on the field were fighting for roster spots and playoff momentum. Calling it a tank job ignores how hard Tank Bigsby was running—75 yards on 16 carries isn't "mailing it in." The Commanders simply executed better in the red zone when it mattered.
Final Insights and Next Steps
The what's the score of the philadelphia washington game question usually leads to a deeper conversation about where these teams are headed. If you’re an Eagles fan, the focus now shifts entirely to the postseason and whether the secondary can stop committing those back-breaking penalties. For Washington fans, it’s all about the draft and the new offensive direction under David Blough.
If you’re tracking your bets or updating a bracket, keep these details in mind:
- Verify the specific sport, as the 76ers/Wizards and Eagles/Commanders schedules often overlap in January.
- Check the injury reports for the next Philadelphia game, as several key players were sidelined during these recent matchups.
- Monitor the 2026 NFL Draft order, as Washington's win slightly moved their positioning in the top ten.
- Watch the waiver wire in fantasy basketball for Trae Young’s debut in a Washington jersey; it’s going to change their offensive volume immediately.
The 24-17 score is etched in the books. Now, we wait to see if the Eagles can redeem that performance when the stakes are even higher in the playoffs.