The Philadelphia Eagles are getting an unexpected assist at a very critical point in their season, and itâs one that could have a direct impact on the NFC East race and their positioning in the playoffs.
The Washington Commanders confirmed this week that quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to a lingering elbow injury. That means veteran QB Marcus Mariota will start Washingtonâs final three games — including two against the Eagles.
After rebounding from their three-game losing streak with a dominant Week 15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Eagles sit at 9â5, with the NFC East their to lose. Facing a backup for two of their final three games– and one they are familiar with at that — is a huge break.
Eagles NFC East Title Chances Likely Helped Significantly By Jayden Daniels’ Absence
GettyJayden Daniels won’t be facing the Philadelphia Eagles over the final three games, which very likely helps their playoff chances, along with their odds of winning the NFC East.
The Eaglesâ final three regular season games are as follows:
- Week 16: at Washington
- Week 17: at Buffalo
- Week 18: vs. Washington
Facing the same opponent twice in the final three weeks is unusual. Facing that opponent without its dynamic dual-threat QB is even odder yet, but that’s where we are.
Danielsâ absence unquestionably removes the most volatile element of Washingtonâs offense. Even in an injury-marred season, he showed an ability to stress defenses in ways that many other starters can’t. His mobility, creativity and willingness to challenge defenses vertically forces defenses to account for him on every snap.
Mariota, now in Year 11, spent his 2023 campaign in Philly backing up Jalen Hurts. He’s a savvy vet, and while he’s got some mobility, he doesn’t compare to Daniels in that capacity. The Eagles are also familiar with his game, so that could prove to be advantageous, as well.
A Closer Look at Philly’s Remaining 3 Games
The Eaglesâ toughest remaining test will come in Week 17 on the road against Buffalo. The Bills have won three straight, most recently taking down the AFC-leading Patriots Week 15.
Reigning MVP Josh Allen is starting to look like he did when he took home the hardware last season. Through 14 games, Allen has 25 passing TDs and 12 rushing TDs (37 total), plus 3,276 passing yards and a top-tier QBR (66.4). He has Buffaloâs offense converting 46.0% on third down, among the NFLâs best, so Philly will have to win the early downs.
With the Cowboys currently imploding, even one win against Washington may be enough to lock things up in the East, and doing so against a backup quarterback significantly improves those odds. None of this guarantees anything, of course, but as far as breaks go, it’s a pretty big one.
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