The Philadelphia Eagles are set to kick off their 2026 season with a familiar feeling: starting at home. This Week 1 home game against the Washington Commanders will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, with a kickoff time of 4:25 PM Eastern, according to NFL reports. It's a strategic move by the NFL, ensuring that Jayden Daniels, the star quarterback, will be playing in this game after he missed Philly twice last year.
This marks just the second time since 2021 that the Eagles will begin the season in their own stadium. The team has a history of starting strong, with wins in their opening games in 2021, 2022, and 2023. However, a loss to the Washington Football Team in 2020 marked the beginning of a challenging season, a stark reminder of the importance of a strong start.
The Commanders, led by a hungry team looking to bounce back from last year's struggles, will be a formidable opponent. The game also carries a personal significance for Eagles fans who are also Sixers fans, as it provides an opportunity to see the Birds crush Washington owner Josh Harris, who has been criticized for his poor ownership of the 76ers. This adds a layer of motivation for the team and their supporters.
The Eagles and Commanders will meet again in Week 8 for a Sunday Night Football showdown in Landover, Maryland. The entire 2026 schedule will be revealed on Thursday night, with fans eagerly awaiting the full lineup. In the meantime, the leaks tracker will keep fans informed of any updates.
This opening game sets the tone for the season, and with the right preparation and performance, the Eagles are poised to make a strong statement early on. The team's history of starting strong and the strategic scheduling of the Commanders game make this a highly anticipated beginning to the 2026 NFL season.