Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C
You often don't recognize the importance of a player until they're missing from the action. Another fine example of this arrived in Week 15 when Tyler Biadasz was ruled out through illness.
The veteran center was sorely missed. Washington didn't have the same cohesion along the offensive line as backup Michael Deiter struggled to make an impact. Not having Biadasz's push in the run game also left a negative mark versus a New Orleans Saints defensive line that smelt blood without him.
Biadasz's return this weekend is welcome. The former Wisconsin standout is back at practice and seems to have shaken off whatever was bothering him last weekend. He is the glue that holds the protection together. That'll be needed in no uncertain terms versus Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
The ex-Georgia teammates have continued their flourishing relationship in the pros. Carter and Davis are arguably the league's most prolific interior defensive line tandem. They've dominated almost everyone in their path this season. They'll have a good chance of doing so again unless Biadasz communicates well and imposes himself right from the outset.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
To say Marshon Lattimore left a positive mark during his long-awaited debut in Week 15 would be an understatement. The Commanders gave him a hefty workload despite being missing since Week 8. He handled everything with aplomb.
Lattimore shut down his side of the field. The Saints didn't throw a single target in his direction, which is a testament to the esteem he is held in around the league. It was a tremendous start, but this weekend is a different challenge entirely.
The four-time Pro Bowler will have two mouth-watering battles against the Eagles. Expect Lattimore to be matched up with either A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith from snap to snap. There are different challenges attached to each player. How he copes will be pivotal to Washington's chances.
These games are exactly why the Commanders made a bombshell trade to acquire Lattimore before the deadline. He's an alpha in every sense of the term. He steps up to the plate and relishes the prospect of going up against the league's best. Brown and Smith represent that, so a big performance is needed.