Can Eagles stop skid vs Commanders? Our experts score predictions

Story by

Story by
Can Eagles stop skid vs Commanders? Our experts score predictions

Can Eagles stop skid vs Commanders? Our experts score predictions

Martin Frank, Delaware News Journal

Wed, October 28, 2026 at 10:45 AM UTC ·

6 min read

About Our Ads

PHILADELPHIA − It's easy to look at the negative, and the Eagles have certainly supplied more than their share during their five-game losing streak, culminating in their 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

That losing skid is a record during the Nick Sirianni era and longest since 2016, when Carson Wentz was a QB prodigy in his rookie season. That was also the season Lane Johnson missed 10 games because of a PED suspension. The Eagles went 2-8 without him. This season, Johnson retired. So far, the Eagles are 0-4 without him.

Johnson isn't coming back. Neither is quarterback Jalen Hurts, who's presumably out for the season to treat blood clots that have traveled to both of his lungs.

Buy Philadelphia Eagles tickets

The Cowboys exposed all of that, including an AWOL defense that couldn't stop the run as the Cowboys rushed for 204 yards, or pass as Dak Prescott threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns.

But there were positives that the Eagles can build on heading into their Nov. 1 matchup against the Commanders . The game between the 2-5 Eagles and the 1-4-1 Commanders is the Sunday Night Football game. This probably won't be a ratings bonanza.

Unless, of course, viewers like watching two teams battle it out for the opposite of NFC East supremacy. The Eagles won the first game 24-22 in the season opener on Sept. 13.

Still, the Eagles' offense had perhaps its best game, or at least its best 2½ quarters, of the season. The Eagles scored touchdowns on their first two possessions, something they haven't done all season. They also scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the third quarter, again a first for the season.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jonathan Greenard (52) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) takes the field for warm ups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) takes the field for warm ups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Eric Hartline, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) celebrates after kicking a field goal during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
(Eric Hartline, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown against Daron Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Mitchell Leff, Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) congratulates Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Ceedee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass for a touchdown against Cooper DeJean #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

In fact, the Eagles took a 21-20 lead on that drive that lasted for 9 minutes, 16 seconds. Tanner McKee found rookie Makai Lemon for 15 yards on fourth-and-1, and McKee capped the drive with a 4-yard TD pass to Lemon, who finished with career highs in both receptions (7) and yards (67).

"That's the standard, honestly, that we have for ourselves every time we step on the field," McKee said. "It's to have sustained drives like that, to execute on plays like that. ... We were able to, for that drive, play to our standard."

After that, however, McKee threw an interception, was sacked a few times and there were the typical holding penalties that have become a staple this season.

Will the offensive progression under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion be enough to beat the Commanders? Here's how we see the game going:

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce (39) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce (39) celebrates with Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Eric Hartline, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a catch for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) defends during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Eric Hartline, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Eric Hartline, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) makes a catch for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (0) defends during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen (2) defends during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) is tackled out of bounds by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen (2) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Javonte Williams #33 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Mitchell Leff, Getty Images)

Our prognosticators are Martin Frank (Eagles beat writer/columnist, Delawareonline.com), Greg Giesen (sports strategist, Delawareonline.com), Tom McGurk (sports editor, Courierpostonline.com), Tom Moore (sports columnist, Phillyburbs.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, app.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports trending reporter & columnist, Northjersey.com), Tom Haines (Pennsylvania state planning), Kevin Tresolini, (college sports reporter, Delawareonline.com), Michelle Ganassi (audience director & die-hard Steelers fan, Delawareonline.com), Tom Rimback (sports writer, Courierpostonline.com), Brandon Holveck (high school sports reporter, Delawareonline.com)

Martin Frank

At some point, the Eagles have to win a game. And this seems to be the one against a Commanders team that's without WR Terry McLaurin for the rest of the season. Of course, I'm counting on DeVonta Smith and/or Dontayvion Wicks returning, Saquon Barkley being able to make it through a game without injury, and the defense showing up. Yes, that's a lot to ask, especially on a short week, and with the Commanders coming off a bye.

The pick:Eagles 20, Commanders 14

Greg Giesen

Saquon Barkley is ailing and at best the Eagles will start using load management as if the running back was LeBron James. The offense is struggling and the Eagles defense is gassed. Chalk up another loss for the Birds. Maybe they'll be able to beat Arizona in December.

The pick:Commanders 24, Eagles 13

Bert Bainbridge

Commanders at home coming off a bye while the Eagles are going on the road after a loss on a short week? Advantage Washington, who wins this matchup of the NFC East basement dwellers by a field goal in primetime.

The pick:Commanders 24, Eagles 21

Tom McGurk

Doesn't it feel like the bubble is ready to burst on the Birds? Lose a sixth straight, including two to NFC East rivals in consecutive weeks in front of a national audience, and Nick Sirianni will have plenty to chew on.

The pick: Commanders 26, Eagles 13

Tom Haines

It's been easy to attribute the Eagles offensive futility to mounting injuries and the growing pains of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, but what can be said for the defense after they mailed it in vs. the Cowboys? That they've given up? Possibly. And is it me, or has the special teams forgot how to cover a kickoff since the 8-second debacle in London?

The pick: Commanders 26, Eagles 17

Kevin Tresolini

The Eagles have done nothing to earn my endorsement here. The Commanders haven't exactly looked like NFC East title contenders, especially when they flubbed what should have been a last-season win over the Giants. But they do benefit from coming off their bye week while the Eagles just played -- and lost -- Monday.

The pick:Commanders 23, Eagles 16

Tom Moore

The Eagles' skid has to end sometime, right?

The pick:Eagles 17, Commanders 16

Tom Rimback

The Least of the East? How the mighty have fallen. The Eagles defense, which has no excuse looked as inept as it has in years against the fraud Cowpokes. Can they look any better against OId DC? Don't count on it.

The pick:Eagles 3, Commanders 2

Bob Jordan

Dan Quinn, coach of what was formerly known as the Washington Football Team, has made headlines with his weekly gaffes but of course Eagles' fans will thank him for being the gift that keeps giving if he messes up again this week. He was the fellow coaching the road-favorite Falcons in the 2017 Divisional Playoffs who called a rally-crushing four consecutive pass plays to no avail after the Falcons, trailing 15-10, reached the Eagles' 9-yard line with 1:19 remaining in the game. The Eagles two games later became Super Bowl champs for the first time.

The pick:Eagles 17, Commanders 13

Overall records

7-0:Bainbridge

6-1:Giesen, McGurk, Moore

5-2:Tresolini

4-3:Frank, Rimback, Haines, Holveck

3-3:Ganassi

3-4:Jordan

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Sign up for the " Eye On The Eagles" newsletter , emailed to your inbox every Friday morning. Read his coverage of the Eagles ' championship season in "Flying High," a hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at Fly.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Can Eagles stop skid vs Commanders? Our experts score predictions

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by:

Can Eagles stop skid vs Commanders? Our experts score predictions

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs Cowboys highlights during NFL Week 7

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys. 7 key plays that led to Philadelphia's loss

Martin Frank

Greg Giesen

Bert Bainbridge

Tom McGurk

Tom Haines

Kevin Tresolini

Tom Moore

Tom Rimback

Bob Jordan

Overall records