Two NFL players in Eagles and Commanders gear face each other with referee whistle and scoreboard above in a stadium

Eagles Face Commanders in Week 18: Backup QB McKee to Start

By Olivia Bennett Harris at News Of Philadelphia

At a Glance

  • Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) host Washington Commanders (4-12) in Week 18.
  • Analysts predict an Eagles victory with scores ranging from 23-16 to 31-21.
  • Tanner McKee will start at quarterback for the Eagles.
  • Why it matters: Fans want to see if the Eagles can finish strong while the Commanders play for pride.
Quarterback Sam Howell talking heatedly with Coach Tanner McKee in the locker room with Washington Commanders colors.

The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Washington Commanders in the final game of the 2024 season. With the Eagles sitting at 11-5 and the Commanders at 4-12, the matchup is a low-stakes game for Washington but a chance for Philadelphia to cap a playoff season. Analysts have offered varied predictions, but all see the Eagles as favorites.

Game Preview

Tanner McKee spoke to reporters at his locker on Thursday, outlining his preparation to start at quarterback for the Eagles in Week 18. The Eagles’ backup depth, led by McKee, is expected to keep the team competitive against a Commanders squad that has little to play for. The backup offensive line will be a key factor as the Eagles aim to protect their young talent.

Analyst Predictions

Analysts have each projected a different scoreline, but all anticipate an Eagles win. The predictions reflect confidence in the Eagles’ depth and the Commanders’ struggles.

Analyst Predicted Score Record Prediction
Reuben Frank Eagles 31, Commanders 21 12-4
Dave Zangaro Eagles 24, Commanders 17 10-6
Mike Mulhern Eagles 23, Commanders 16 11-5
Ashlyn Sullivan Eagles 25, Commanders 14 9-7

Key Takeaways

  • Eagles’ backup QB Tanner McKee will start, giving depth a chance to shine.
  • All analysts predict an Eagles victory with scores between 23-16 and 31-21.
  • The game is a low-stakes matchup for Washington but a potential finish-strong moment for Philadelphia.

The Eagles look to use this Week 18 game to cement their playoff status, while the Commanders aim to finish the season on a positive note, even if only for pride.

Author

  • I’m Olivia Bennett Harris, a health and science journalist committed to reporting accurate, compassionate, and evidence-based stories that help readers make informed decisions about their well-being.

    Olivia Bennett Harris reports on housing, development, and neighborhood change for News of Philadelphia, uncovering who benefits—and who is displaced—by city policies. A Temple journalism grad, she combines data analysis with on-the-ground reporting to track Philadelphia’s evolving communities.

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