The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders begin the 2026 season with an NFC East battle. Division matchups can always be tough, as teams take each one of these games personally.
Each team has mainstays on its roster, but a couple of underrated Commanders players could give Philadelphia some trouble.
Which underrated Commander players do the Eagles need to watch out for in Week 1?
Nick Cross, Safety
The Commanders signed safety Nick Cross in free agency, giving him a two-year, $13 million deal. Cross didn't go into the summer with his spot solidified in the starting lineup, but throughout the offseason, he earned the right to be the first-teamer.
The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala reported that Cross has brought an element of speed and physicality to the defense, which is an area that needed juice. The biggest disadvantage that Cross brings to the Eagles is his ability to line up across the field.
He can play snaps at slot corner, strong safety, and free safety. Just last season with the Colts, Cross logged 150-plus snaps at each position. He's a player that Hurts will need to identify where he's at pre-snap.
In his career, the Maryland product has snagged four interceptions and two forced fumbles, while also being able to be a solid defender against tight ends. Cross will be all over the field on Sunday and could be a thorn in the Eagles' side.
Rachaad White, Running Back
Washington's backfield will feature Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White as the top two tailbacks. Although Croskey-Merritt is likely the RB1, White is a guy who's going to play a lot. The Commanders brought in White in large part due to his pass-catching ability.
He looks like the player who will be the primary third-down back, and over the course of the summer, White has looked like one of the best running backs for that team. Before coming to Washington, White was an effective player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 67 games with them, White had 2,656 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, as a pass catcher, he had 205 receptions for 1,450 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
There's no doubt White will be on the field, and from what history has shown, he could be an outlet for Washington's offense and someone the Eagles' defensive line and linebackers will need to focus on. He has a specific role, and if Philadelphia doesn't lock in, White will hurt them.
Chig Okonkwo, TE
The Commanders added tight end Chig Okonkwo this past offseason as well. The Commanders have Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs as their one-two punch, yet this summer has shown that Okonkwo will be a serious factor in the passing game.
Prior to the Commanders signing Diggs, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Okonkwo was the "de facto WR2" behind McLaurin. That's big praise, and while some of those targets will go to Diggs, the tight end will be someone who is relied on by this offense.
Okonkwo brings speed and a big target who can attack the seams and the middle of the field. Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps will be lined up against Okonkwo a ton in this game, and if they don't step up to the plate, the Commanders' pass catcher could find a rhythm with Jayden Daniels.
The 27-year-old is coming off career highs in catches (56) and receiving yards (560) with the Tennessee Titans. His success with rookie Cam Ward shows he can do much more in a better offense with a better signal-caller.
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Tight ends are a big part of game plans, and if the Eagles don't contain Okonkwo, he may be in for a massive outing.
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