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Eagles vs. Commanders predictions: Rounding up the experts’ picks for Week 16

Opinions are leaning heavily towards Philadelphia as the Birds head into Sunday’s game as 3.5-point favorites.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley avoids a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler during the teams' first meeting earlier this season.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley avoids a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler during the teams' first meeting earlier this season.Read moreDavid Maialetti / Staff Photographer

After an impressive win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Eagles turn their attention back to their own division as they prepare to take on the Washington Commanders and look to extend their 10-game win streak.

In their last meeting, the teams were battling for first place in the NFC East. Now, after the Commanders fell behind in the division race, the stakes are different. With an Eagles win, the Birds would clinch the NFC East. With a Commanders win — and some help from around the league — Washington could clinch a playoff berth, the team’s first since 2020 — and stay alive in the division race.

The Birds are currently 3.5-point favorites over the Commanders. Washington is coming off their ninth win of the season after squeaking out a victory over the New Orleans Saints. Will nine-time Rookie of the Week Jayden Daniels lead his team to a win at home? Or will the Eagles’ franchise-record winning streak continue?

» READ MORE: The Cowboys need an Eagles win. But Micah Parsons won’t root for them — even if it costs him the playoffs.

Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying …

Inquirer beat writers

We start with our own Eagles beat writers. Here’s an excerpt from Olivia Reiner’s prediction …

In their last outing, the defense kept Daniels in the pocket, limiting him to just 18 rushing yards on seven carries (his second-lowest performance of the season) and sacking him three times. If the Eagles offense can execute cleanly in the passing game like it did against the Steelers and contain the Commanders’ No. 6-ranked scoring offense, then the Eagles should extend their win streak to 11 games.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Commanders 23
Olivia Reiner

To read more of Reiner’s take, plus how our other beat writers are predicting this one, check out our full predictions here.

» READ MORE: Report: Eagles’ Jalen ‘Two Shoes’ Hurts fined for uniform violation vs. Steelers

National media predictions

Now, here’s what those around the country think about the Eagles’ chances this week …

  1. ESPN: Ten of ESPN’s eleven experts are picking the Birds.

  2. NFL.com: All five panelists are predicting the Eagles win and wrap up the division on Sunday.

  3. Bleacher Report: Seven of eight experts at Bleacher Report like the Eagles.

  4. CBS Sports: Six of eight panelists for CBS Sports are backing the Birds.

» READ MORE: Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff felt like he was ‘wasting reps’ before wrist surgery

  1. Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio and Chris Simms are both taking the Eagles over the Commanders.

  2. Sports Illustrated: Four of the six experts from Sports Illustrated think Philly takes care of business.

  3. Sporting News: Sporting News also picked the Birds to win this week.

Local media predictions

Here’s what other media in Philadelphia think will happen on Sunday …

  1. Philly Voice: All four experts are picking the Eagles.

  2. Delaware Online: Eleven of 13 panelists like the Eagles’ chances.

The Eagles play in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they dissect the hottest storylines surrounding the team on Gameday Central, live from Northwest Stadium.