The NFL schedule release is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the Philadelphia Eagles as they prepare for what promises to be one of the toughest slates in the league. Fresh off a season where they lit up primetime with seven high-profile games—including a pivotal Week 16 Saturday showdown against Washington that sealed the NFC East—the Birds are set to face a gauntlet of contenders.

In 2026, the Eagles will battle the entire NFC West and AFC South, plus the first-place finishers from the NFC South, NFC North, and AFC North. That means matchups against powerhouse teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans, alongside divisional rivals like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. It's a schedule that will test every inch of their depth and grit.

Philadelphia has a knack for starting seasons strong, boasting five straight wins in season openers. Their last opening-day loss came in 2020, a 27-7 defeat at Washington that marked the beginning of the end for the Carson Wentz era. Since then, they've opened on the road five times, including last year's international clash against the Packers in Brazil.

With the official schedule dropping Thursday night, we're making our final prediction for Week 1. The Eagles' home opener against Seattle rules out a potential showdown of the past two Super Bowl champions. Instead, look for Philadelphia to hit the road for an early 1:00 p.m. kickoff against Jayden Daniels and a retooled Washington Commanders squad. It's a rivalry that's been heating up, and the Birds have faced the Commanders three times in season openers since 2015. With Atlanta off the 2026 schedule, Washington feels like the natural pick to kick off another thrilling campaign.