As the Commanders Look to Stop Eagles’ Juggernaut, Here Are 5 Key Matchups That Could Predict the Outcome

In Week 8 of the NFL season, the Eagles (6 wins, 1 loss) hit the road to take on the Commanders (3 wins, 4 losses). It’s a redo of their Week 4 clash, where the Eagles won 34-31 in overtime. The Eagles need to prove they can keep up their strong offense, just like last week, vs the Dolphins. This time at FedEx Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, the face-off in Landover, Maryland. You can catch the game on FOX.

Will the Commanders cause more problems for the Eagles this time? They did it almost in a first meet at Lincoln Financial Field. 5 crucial battles can help in predictions, as the Commanders face the Eagles.

Eagles struggle against Washington at home

First key matchup: The Eagles have had a tough time winning at home against Washington lately, with a 1-2-1 record against the spread (ATS) and a 2-2 record straight up (SU) in the last four games. However, when they play on the road at FedEx Field, it’s a different story, per Yahoo reports. They’ve won 5 out of their last 6 games (SU) and covered the spread in 4 of those (ATS). They even won four of those road games by a big margin.

However, Washington’s defense improved in the last two games, but they faced weaker opponents, the Falcons (arguably not weak) and the Giants. Before that, they allowed a lot of points in four consecutive games.

Jalen Hurts & Sam Howell

Second key matchup: Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts is toughing it out with a knee injury against the Commanders. Rookie QB Sam Howell remembers their last rough encounter with the Eagles’ defense. With Hurts playing, the pressure is on Howell. The Eagles have a strong defense, ranking second in NFL sacks. And, Howell is the most-sacked QB.

Last year, the Eagles sacked Carson Wentz nine times. Washington’s O-line is weaker, Howell’s less experienced with blitzes, and Philly has a top-run defense. Howell’s taking hits, and the Eagles’ secondary got stronger with safety Kevin Byard. It could be a tough day for the Commanders.

A.J. Brown’s winning mentality

Third key matchup: In the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, Eagles’ A.J. Brown, a standout wide receiver, is focused on winning, “I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunities and play with my teammates and try to get the win,” not just his impressive stats.

Brown expects a tough battle. “These guys are going to play hard. They know us and we know them. That game went into overtime last time and I’m expecting a heavyweight battle,” emphasizing the need for strong offense, defense, and special team performance. This division game demands their full effort.

Showdown of crowded leaders

Fourth key matchup: Let’s examine the standout individual performers on each team. Washington’s offense is led by QB Sam Howell, who has thrown for 1,749 yards and 9 touchdowns, while RB Brian Robinson Jr. has dominated the ground game with 325 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.

Their receiving corps is powered by WR Terry McLaurin and a trio of players with 2 receiving touchdowns each. On the defensive side, LB Cody Barton has been a tackling machine, Montez Sweat is the sack leader with 5.5, and CB Kendall Fuller has secured 2 interceptions.

Meanwhile, for the Eagles, QB Jalen Hurts has amassed 1,821 passing yards and 9 passing touchdowns, with RB D’Andre Swift contributing 514 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs. WR A.J. Brown has been the go-to target with 809 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.

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Eagles LB Zach Cunningham and LB Haason Reddick have been pivotal in tackles and sacks, while CB Darius Slay has made 2 crucial interceptions. This game promises an exciting clash between these impressive individual leaders.

Eagles dominate Commanders recently

Fifth key matchup: The Eagles have dominated the Commanders in their recent meetings, winning 4 out of 5 games. In those five games, the Eagles scored 126 points, while the Commanders managed 104. Philadelphia is in a strong position with a history of success against Washington.

Hence, based on these 5 key matchups that could decide the outcome – The Week 8 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders is expected to be a highly competitive game.

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