Commanders tipped for Week 4 thumping at Eagles in FanSided's predictions

The Washington Commanders have been tipped to get blown out at the Philadelphia Eagles in FanSided's NFL predictions for Week 4.

A big response is needed from the Washington Commanders after being brought back down to earth in Week 3. Getting such a drubbing on home soil is bound to sting, but it's how Ron Rivera's men get up off the canvas this weekend that will be a bigger indication of what this team might be capable of in 2023.

That won't be easy given the standard of upcoming opposition. Traveling to the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn't be the first game Rivera would want after such an embarrassing reverse, but having the odds stacked against them might help the Commanders perform with an added sense of freedom.

Lincoln Financial Field's hostility from the stands is renowned and well-documented. The Commanders did win at the same venue last season, but the Eagles look like a formidable outfit through three games in 2023 despite their passing attack not clicking as many anticipated.

The defending NFC conference champions are 3-0 and look stacked from top to bottom. Their defensive line has been causing absolute havoc despite losing Javon Hargrave in free agency, which represents a significant complication for Washington's struggling offensive line given they've already conceded 19 sacks this season.

This was a primary reason behind Cody Williams from FanSided tipping the Eagles to triumph in his Week 4 predictions. The writer isn't holding out much hope the Commanders can make a fight of things based on his 34-19 projection.

"Sam Howell might need to wear an extra layer of protection for this game. Washington's O-line has been an issue and the Eagles defensive front is firing on all cylinders right now. They should generate a ton of pressure. With the Commanders defense not being able to contend with Philly's offensive line, this one could get a bit out of hand."

- Cody Williams, FanSided

One would be hard-pressed to find any analyst picking the Commanders to gain success on Sunday. That's extra motivation if nothing else, and it's not like anyone gave them a chance of ending Philadelphia's unbeaten run to start the 2022 campaign before they shocked the NFL world.

Any positivity the Commanders can generate would be a bonus. There is a quick turnaround before their Thursday Night Football clash against the Chicago Bears in Week 5, so another heavy loss wouldn't be the best thing for morale despite winning the first two games of the campaign.

This is all about pride. Washington has to pick itself up versus another Super Bowl contender, which involves starting much better than we've seen this season and demonstrating the fighting qualities demanded by the likes of Rivera and Eric Bieniemy.

If they can do this, all hope is not lost. But after their complete capitulation against the Bills last time out, there's just no telling what that's done for their inner confidence until we see them on the gridiron.

Whichever way the result goes, we'll have a broader sense of expectations moving forward for the Commanders and Rivera, who is under intense scrutiny as part of Josh Harris' ownership group's evaluations.

Time to strap it up and show some character.