The Philadelphia Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in Week 1 action.
Washington will bring an intriguing blend of familiar faces and fresh talent to the storied NFC East rivalry. Philly will not be able to overlook these guys, though.
While a healthy Jayden Daniels returns to spearhead the offense for the visitors, the following five players for the Washington Commanders also warrant extra attention.
5 Washington Commanders the Eagles must watch out for in Week 1
Sonny Styles, LB
The seventh overall selection in this year's draft, Styles, has immediately gained the trust of his coaching staff and teammates, as he and veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu will both be leading the defense and communicating calls via shared green dot responsibilities.
Styles arrives in Washington as an ultra-rangy, imposing (6-foot-5) presence in the middle, and his coverage prowess and instincts could pose problems for the Eagles on short and intermediate routes.
Chig Okonkwo, TE
The Commanders haven't had a dangerous tight end since the days of Jordan Reed, and with the addition of Chig Okonkwo, Philadelphia's linebackers and secondary must account for the dynamic pass-catcher at all times. He's not your traditional in-line tight end at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, and his ability to make things happen downfield must be accounted for at all times.
Stefon Diggs, WR
While the addition of rookie Antonio Williams out of Clemson adds a playmaker to the fold for Jayden Daniels, the recent free-agent acquisition of Stefon Diggs gives this Commanders' wideout unit a stout one-two punch, which has been lacking in recent years. It was rumored to happen back in June, and the Commanders recently pulled the trigger on landing the crafty vet. Diggs can make plays both in the slot and out wide, so fans can expect Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen to square off with him.
Odafe Oweh, Edge
Another key free agent acquisiton for the Commanders, Oweh adds a pass-rushing presence their defense lacked last season. Per ESPN Commanders reporter John Keim, Oweh (calf injury) is set to return to practice this week. The six-year veteran racked up 7.5 sacks last season, and paired with fellow FA addition K'Laivon Chaisson, a fresh pair of pass rushers will be testing tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata when Washington comes to town.
Terry McLaurin, WR
Held to just 10 games active last season due to injury, McLaurin is back to full health and has looked explosive all summer long. Meanwhile, the duo of Daniels and his star wideout only suited up together for three games this past season, so they'll be looking to make up for lost time and hit the ground running when they land in The Linc in Week 1.
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Quinyon Mitchell, who famously blanked the star wideout as a rookie back in 2024, should lock horns once again with McLaurin. Now entering his eighth NFL season, the star wideout has reeled in 71 catches for 1.027 yards (six touchdowns) against Philadelphia. Nothing changes entering Week 1, as the former Buckeye out wide will be the man to monitor most closely for the Philadelphia secondary.
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