5 pivotal games that will define the Washington Commanders 2023 season

Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 8

Every divisional game is important in the NFL. But none compare to the NFC East’s rivalry clashes. This will be the second matchup between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, which could work in their favor to get these particular games out of the way relatively early.

Though their game in Week 4 is important, the second has higher implications as playoff talks will begin to occur around that time.

Last season, these teams split their divisional games one apiece. With each team winning their respective games on the road.

The Week 8 match will take place at FedEx Field, which should be rocking once again without Dan Snyder. After their 24-8 loss last season at home, the Commanders need to bounce back with a much-needed win on their home field against the Eagles.

Washington has not won a home game against Philadelphia since Sept. 13, 2020. That team was led by the late quarterback Dwayne Haskins.

This team was the only team outside of the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat a fully healthy Eagles team. Philadelphia was Super Bowl runner-up last year and is already penciled in to be a leading contender when the 2023 schedule gets underway.

With a win, the Commanders can potentially put themselves in a position for a playoff position. However, a loss might see the team head in the wrong trajectory, especially if they have lost their first matchup versus the Eagles.