The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Washington Commanders in Week 16, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. on December 20 at Northwest Stadium, as announced by the NFL on Tuesday. This matchup is part of a Saturday double-header, which also includes a game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m.
The dates for these games were established earlier in May when the schedule was released, but the specific kickoff times were revealed this week. This will mark the first meeting between the Eagles and the Commanders during the current season, with a rematch to take place at Lincoln Financial Field slated for the final weekend of the regular season, although the time and date for that game are yet to be determined.
This game will also be significant for the Eagles, as it will be their first regular-season Saturday game since they faced the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 of 2022, a match they narrowly lost 40-34. In their most recent Saturday game, the Eagles triumphed over the New York Giants during the conference semifinal playoff in 2023.
Historically, the Eagles have experienced mixed results in Saturday games against the Commanders. They suffered defeats in 2014 and 2015, losing 27-24 in Landover and 38-24 at home, respectively, which led to the dismissal of head coach Chip Kelly shortly thereafter. Notably, the teams also competed on Saturdays in 1955 and 1956, with the Eagles winning one of those matchups at Connie Mack Stadium.
Currently, the Commanders are struggling with a record of 3-9, having lost seven straight games after starting the season with a 3-1 record. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, has been sidelined for six games this year, notably missing the last three due to a dislocated elbow. However, there are indications that he could potentially return before the season concludes.
As the Eagles prepare to take on the Commanders, fans are hopeful for a strong performance from their team, especially given the historical significance of this rivalry and the opportunity to reclaim momentum in the 2023 season.