Game Info
Kickoff: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Network: FOX
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts: START, QB1
Somehow, someway, Jalen Hurts always gets it done. Hurts threw three touchdowns despite completing just twelve passes on 15 attempts in Week 15 against the Raiders. Hurts is an auto-start and remains in the conversation for weekly QB1 overall against the Commanders. This is the defense that allowed both Geno Smith and J.J. McCarthy to throw for three touchdowns each.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley: START, Borderline RB1
Tank Bigsby: SIT
You’re not getting the dominant production you had hoped for if you drafted Saquon Barkley in the first round. But since the Iggles bye, Barkley’s been what I call a McDouble: an option with a decent floor, limited upside, and a nonzero chance you’ll get indigestion. Barkley has 10 or more points in five of his last six, and over 15 points in his last two, thanks to a couple of tuddys. The 2025 version of Barkley has a capped ceiling but a fine floor in a fantastic matchup against the Commanders, who give up the sixth-most points to the position. He can push 20 points if he’s able to get into the end zone.
Wide Receiver | Tight End
A.J. Brown: START, WR1
DeVonta Smith: START, Borderline WR1
Dallas Goedert: STREAMER
So A.J. Brown caught only two passes, but one was a touchdown, and the Eagles still won. I wonder if he’s happy? Maybe since DeVonta Smith only had two catches, it’s ok. Well, Smith did have 50 yards, nine more than Brown. And then there’s Dallas Goedert, who led the way with six catches, seven targets, 70 yards, and two touchdown receptions, his third time doing so this season. Brown is in his usual spot as a WR1, but bump Smith up to a WR1 in a top 10 fantasy matchup. Speaking of top fantasy matchups, Goedert is a solid streaming option against Washington, who gives up the 2nd most points to tight ends.
Defense/Special Teams
Philadelphia Eagles: START
The Eagles are one of seven teams holding opponents to under 20 points per game and one of 11 holding opponents to under 200 passing yards per game.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Marcus Mariota: SIT
Marcus Mariota has done an admirable job filling in for Jayden Daniels and fantasy managers who have lost the likes of Daniel Jones, Michael Penix Jr., and so many others. But I much prefer not to start him against Philly, who is the eighth-worst matchup for opposing quarterbacks, allowing just 5 passing touchdowns and tallying 5 interceptions in their last six games. He does chip some production on the ground, which makes him a little more tempting of a start, but I’m fully fading him against Philly.
Running Back
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: SIT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: SIT | FLEX (if Rodriguez inactive)
Jeremy McNichols: SIT
I know Jacrory Croskey-Merritt “went off” last week to the tune of 96 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, but pump the brakes before you grab your “Billmania” shirts from under your bed and throw him in your semifinals lineup. First off, Chris Rodriguez Jr. being out turned the three-headed fantasy nightmare into a 50/50 snap split. Secondly, he did this against the Giants’ abhorrent run defense, the only team allowing over 5.5 yards per carry and the only team allowing an explosive run rate over 8%. Now the Eagles’ run defense hasn’t been great either (and is missing Jalen Carter), but they’re allowing half the explosive run rate of the Giants and over a full yard per carry less. Rodriguez was reportedly close to playing, practicing in limited fashion at the end of last week, and practicing at the time of writing. I expect CRod back, and if he is, bench all three Washington backs. If Rodriguez does miss again, you can start Bill at FLEX if you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin: SIT
Noah Brown: SIT
Deebo Samuel: SIT
“Terry McLaurin scored nearly 16 fantasy points last week. What do you mean he’s a sit?” Well, for starters, 12.1 of his 15.9 points came on a busted-coverage-with-a-side-of-horrible-tackling play. Jason Campbell could have come out of retirement and made that throw. Scary Terry should also be afraid of his shadow, Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell, that is. He should probably be a FLEX, but with limited upside and a rock-bottom floor, I’m not starting McLaurin in Week 16. Deebo Samuel is barely averaging over 10 fantasy points per game in his last seven games and is not worth the gamble against the outstanding secondary of the Eagles.
Tight End
John Bates: SIT
Ben Sinnott: SIT
I miss Zach Ertz.
Defense/Special Teams
Washington Commanders: SIT
