The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Washington Commanders on Saturday, December 20, at 5 p.m. at Northwest Stadium. The matchup marks the Eagles’ first regular‑season Saturday game in over a decade, following a loss to the Cowboys on a Saturday in 2022 and a victory over the Giants in the 2023 conference semifinal playoff round.
Game Schedule and Double‑Header
The NFL announced the kickoff times on Tuesday, after the schedule was originally released in May. The Eagles‑Commanders game will begin at 5 p.m., and it is part of a Saturday double‑header that also features the Packers‑Bears game at Soldier Field at 8:20 p.m. The rematch at Lincoln Financial Stadium, scheduled for the final weekend of the season, has a time and date still to be announced.
Saturday Matchup History
The Eagles and Commanders have a long history of Saturday games. In 2014, the Eagles lost 27‑24 in Landover, and in 2015 they fell 38‑24 at Lincoln Financial Stadium. Following the 2015 loss, head coach Chip Kelly was fired the next day. Earlier Saturday encounters include a 31‑30 loss at Connie Mack Stadium in 1955 and a 13‑9 win at the same venue in 1956. The Eagles’ most recent Saturday appearance was in 2022, when they were defeated 40‑34 by the Cowboys.
Commanders’ Season Outlook
Washington finished last season with a 12‑game winning streak and reached the NFC Championship Game, where they were beaten by the Eagles 55‑23. The current season has been challenging: the Commanders are 3‑9 and have lost seven consecutive games after a 3‑1 start. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last year, has missed six games this season, including the last three due to a dislocated elbow, but he could return at some point.
Eagles’ Recent Performance
The Eagles entered the season with a strong defense, but their run defense struggled against the Bears in Week 13, as highlighted by a breakdown from NBC Universal’s Barrett Brooks. The team’s performance on Saturday nights has been mixed, with recent victories and losses shaping their schedule and momentum.
Key Takeaways
- Eagles will host Commanders on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m., their first Saturday game since 2022.
- The game is part of a Saturday double‑header, with Packers‑Bears at 8:20 p.m.
- Commanders are 3‑9, struggling after a 12‑game winning streak last year.
- Jayden Daniels has missed six games, including the last three with a dislocated elbow.
- Historical Saturday losses to Commanders in 2014 and 2015 led to Chip Kelly’s firing.
The upcoming game promises a clash of histories and current struggles, as the Eagles aim to regain Saturday success while the Commanders look to break their losing streak and re‑establish themselves as a contender.
