NFL playoff picture: What does Eagles-Commanders mean for NFC standings in Week 18

Jan 4, 2026 - 19:30

The Philadelphia Eagles close out their 2025-26 regular season schedule on Sunday when they host the Washington Commanders. The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET and the Eagles are a 3.5-point favorite.

The Week 18 matchup features two teams going in opposite directions this season. The Eagles are 11-5 and headed to the playoffs as NFC East champions. The Commanders are 4-12 and playing out the string in a lost season. Jayden Daniels will close out the season having missed ten games after a dynamic rookie season. The team will be drafting in the top seven spots of the 2026 NFL Draft and hopes to get back on track next season.

While the Eagles do technically have something to play for on Sunday, they are expected to rest some key starters to get them ready for the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles playoff picture

The Eagles clinched their playoff berth in Week 16 when they beat the Commanders in their first matchup this season. The Dallas Cowboys were the closest competitor for the NFC East title, but hung around in the race for the division, but eliminated themselves with a three-game losing streak in December.

The Eagles are tied with the Bears in the NFC standings, but Chicago has the tiebreaker due to their Week 13 head-to-head win in Philadelphia. If the Eagles lose their season finale or the Bears win their finale over the Lions, Philly will be the No. 3 seed. If the Eagles win and the Bears lose, Philly would move up to the No. 2 seed. The Bears are field goal favorites against the Lions.

Philadelphia Eagles playoff history

The Eagles won the NFC East for the third time in four years. This also marks their fifth straight playoff appearance and eighth in nine years. They’re the defending Super Bowl champions, won the Super Bowl the first year of this current run, and made a losing Super Bowl appearance in 2022.