When the NFL schedule-makers get together to design the 2025 season, there is one obvious decision that must be made.
The Washington Commanders should be playing the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on the season-opening edition of Thursday Night Football.
Every year, the team that hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy traditionally hosts the first game of the regular season. Most of the time, it's against a noteworthy challenger — whether that be a division rival, a team they beat in the playoffs the previous year, or any other opponent where there's a compelling narrative to attract potentially record-breaking viewership.
One team checks all three boxes. It's the Commanders.
Commanders reignited their historic rivalry with the Eagles in 2024
Washington and Philadelphia's pro sports franchises historically hate each other due to their cities' proximity and the high volume of transplants from one area living in the other. The Commanders' rivalry with the Eagles has always been particularly heated as both reside in the NFC East.
Right now that may be the case more than ever, even from the Eagles' standpoint. The New York Giants have been largely irrelevant and the Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads regarding their future. That's not the case with the Commanders, who are legitimate challengers for Philadelphia's throne in the NFC East, the NFC, and perhaps even the Super Bowl with the right additions to the playing personnel this offseason.
The Eagles lost only one game following their Week 5 bye during the 2024 season. It was to the Commanders, who beat them 36-33 in Week 16 thanks to a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The teams met up again in the NFC Championship game. Washington kept up with the Eagles for three quarters before ultimately conceding 55 points to fall at the final conference hurdle.
Provided they capitalize on their incredible season and get better during the recruitment period, the Commanders should enter 2025 as a trendy Super Bowl pick. Their road to get there will run through the city just a 150-mile drive north on I-95.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Think of all the narratives of a potential Eagles/Commanders season-opener. Daniels vs. Jalen Hurts. A.J. Brown vs. Terry McLaurin. Marshon Lattimore vs. A.J. Brown. The potential storylines are endless.
There's the Frankie Luvu factor — arguably the most hated player in Philadelphia after Hurts was concussed on a hit in Week 16. There's also his creative way of attempting to stop the Eagles' "tush push" during the NFC Championship game.
It makes too much sense for this not to happen. When the NFL releases its 2025 regular-season schedule, the Commanders need to be opening their second campaign under head coach Dan Quinn at Lincoln Financial Field on primetime.
