The Washington Commanders begin their 2026 season with a tricky-looking divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Nobody expects much from head coach Dan Quinn's squad, but quiet confidence is building that they can silence some growing doubters.
Quinn revealed that the Commanders are as healthy as they can be, though left tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Johnny Newton are long-term absences. The notoriously hostile Lincoln Financial Field hasn't been Washington's happiest hunting ground in recent years, but a shocking triumph is well within their reach if they execute the game plan effectively.
Simply put, fans just want to see a better football product.
Everyone got complacent last year, and they went through the motions down the stretch, out of playoff contention and seemingly out of ideas on both sides of the football. Quinn shook things up, which brought extra urgency and vibrancy throughout the summer.
But if they can pull off an upset, that could instantly change the dynamic.
Easier said than done, but not impossible.
The Eagles are going through some changes. They have installed a new offense, and wide receiver A.J. Brown was shipped to the New England Patriots. This could lead to some growing pains, but their formidable defense, led by Vic Fangio and Pro Bowl-caliber performers everywhere you look, should keep them in almost every game.
And if the Commanders aren't ready, they will get found out accordingly.
It'll be fascinating to watch things unfold. Before then, here are five bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 1.
Bold predictions for the Washington Commanders in Week 1 against the Eagles
Drew Stevens goes perfect on his NFL debut
If undrafted rookie kicker Drew Stevens got the chance to choose the venue of his first NFL regular-season game, there's a good chance that Lincoln Financial Field would be pretty far down the list. A daunting litmus test awaits, and he must deliver when his number is called.
It'll be like nothing Stevens has ever experienced. Still, he played in big games at Iowa, and his outdoor kicking record is something he can call on.
Stevens comfortably beat out veteran Jake Moody for the starting job this summer. His leg strength and overall accuracy left the Ohio State product scrambling to keep up, and he was eventually released.
That was the easy part. Doing enough to become Washington's long-term kicking option will require much more.
The Commanders must ride the rookie wave with Stevens. There will be plenty of nerves, and the rabid Eagles crowd will know this is his first real taste of the NFL. The only way to shut them up is by putting the football through the uprights.
Otherwise, things will get uncomfortable fast.
It's a high-stakes situation for Stevens. But if he can make his kicks count, the Commanders' chances will improve exponentially.
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