By Henry 
The Washington Commanders stunned the Philadelphia Eagles 24-17 in their Week 18 matchup on January 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field, capping the 2025 regular season with a gritty comeback win for Washington.
- Backup quarterbacks dominated: Josh Johnson (Commanders) delivered 131 passing yards, 1 TD pass, and a crucial 1-yard rushing TD in the fourth quarter, while Tanner McKee (Eagles) posted 241 passing yards but struggled with efficiency and turnovers.
- Ground game impact: Chris Rodriguez (WAS) led with 65 rushing yards and 1 TD; Tank Bigsby (PHI) topped with 75 yards and 1 TD.
- Standout receivers: Terry McLaurin paced Washington with 4 catches for 57 yards; DeVonta Smith led Philadelphia with 52 yards (reaching 1,000 on the season).
- Defensive highlights: Washington’s Jeremy Reaves notched a key interception; Philadelphia’s Jalyx Hunt added an INT and fumble recovery.
- Context matters: Both teams rested stars like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and likely Jayden Daniels due to playoff seeding (Eagles locked as NFC No. 3) and season outcomes (Commanders eyeing a high 2026 draft pick), making this a backups-heavy affair with big implications for fantasy and betting on future matchups.
The Commanders overcame a 17-10 deficit after three quarters, scoring 14 unanswered points in the fourth to seal the win. Washington controlled time of possession (about 34 minutes to Philadelphia’s 26) and capitalized on Eagles penalties, including pass interferences in the end zone.
Josh Johnson showed poise in his first NFL win since 2018, mixing short passes with scrambles. Tanner McKee flashed arm strength but faced pressure and missed opportunities.
The run game proved decisive for both sides, while receiving production was solid but unspectacular without top weapons.
The Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles rivalry delivered another chapter of NFC East drama on January 4, 2026, but this Week 18 clash at Lincoln Financial Field looked different from the usual fireworks. With playoff spots and seeding largely decided, both teams leaned heavily on backups and reserves. The Eagles, already locked in as the NFC’s No. 3 seed, rested Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and other key pieces to stay fresh for a Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders, wrapping a tough 5-12 season and positioned for a high 2026 NFL Draft pick, turned to veteran Josh Johnson under center (with Jayden Daniels presumably sidelined or rested). What followed was a hard-fought, low-scoring battle that ended in a 24-17 Commanders victory, showcasing depth, resilience, and some breakout moments from lesser-known names.
The game started quietly, with no points in the first quarter. Philadelphia struck first in the second when Tanner McKee found tight end Grant Calcaterra for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Washington answered quickly with Chris Rodriguez’s 1-yard plunge to tie it, then tacked on a massive 56-yard field goal from Jake Moody as time expired in the half for a 10-7 lead. The Eagles regained momentum after halftime: Tank Bigsby powered in from 2 yards out, and Jake Elliott added a 39-yard field goal for a 17-10 advantage. But the fourth quarter belonged to the Commanders. John Bates hauled in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to knot the score, then Johnson himself punched in the go-ahead 1-yard run with 2:32 left. Washington’s defense stiffened, holding Philadelphia scoreless in the final frame despite McKee’s efforts.
Quarterback play told much of the story. Josh Johnson went 14-of-22 for 131 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, but his mobility made the difference: 9 carries for 45 yards and the game-winning score. His 76.1 passer rating reflected steady, mistake-minimizing football when it mattered most. On the other side, Tanner McKee completed 21-of-40 passes for 241 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, taking 3 sacks for -14 yards. His 68.9 rating showed flashes of potential but also the growing pains of a backup under pressure. Neither Hurts nor Daniels factored in, shifting focus to depth-chart evaluation for fantasy managers and bettors eyeing next-season props.
On the ground, the Eagles’ Tank Bigsby carried 16 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, adding a 31-yard reception for good measure. His physical style kept Philadelphia in striking distance. Washington’s Chris Rodriguez led with 16 carries for 65 yards and a score, while Johnson chipped in his rushing TD. Jacory Croskey-Merritt added 13 carries for 29 yards in a committee approach that wore down the Eagles defense late. Team rushing totals showed Washington’s edge: 143 yards on 41 attempts compared to Philadelphia’s 80 on 19.
Receiving production leaned on role players without the usual stars. Washington’s Terry McLaurin led with 4 catches for 57 yards on 4 targets, providing reliable chain-moving catches. Deebo Samuel added 2 for 20, and John Bates snagged a touchdown. Philadelphia spread the ball around: DeVonta Smith had 3 for 52 (hitting 1,000 yards on the season), Jahan Dotson 3 for 40, and Kylen Granson 4 for 30. Tight end Grant Calcaterra scored the Eagles’ lone passing TD.
Defensively, Washington made big plays count. Jeremy Reaves led with 7 tackles and a 28-yard interception that set up points. Von Miller added three sacks on McKee, finishing his season strong. Bobby Wagner reached 2,000 career tackles in the game, a historic milestone. Philadelphia’s defense was stout early, with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. racking up 12 tackles, but late penalties (9 total for 123 yards, including costly pass interferences) proved costly. Jalyx Hunt stood out with an interception and fumble recovery.
For fantasy football players, this game underscores backup value and injury contingencies: Johnson’s dual-threat ability and McLaurin’s consistency remain reliable, while Bigsby and Rodriguez showed RB2/flex upside in limited roles. Bettors saw the impact of rest strategies, with Philadelphia’s conservative approach backfiring slightly despite preserved health for playoffs. Washington’s win provided momentum into the offseason despite the losing record.
| Category | Washington Commanders | Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 24 | 17 |
| Passing Leader | Josh Johnson: 14/22, 131 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT | Tanner McKee: 21/40, 241 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing Leader | Chris Rodriguez: 16-65, 1 TD | Tank Bigsby: 16-75, 1 TD |
| Receiving Leader | Terry McLaurin: 4-57 | DeVonta Smith: 3-52 |
| Key Defensive Play | Jeremy Reaves: 1 INT (28 yds) | Jalyx Hunt: 1 INT, fumble recovery |
| Turnovers | 1 INT, 1 fumble lost | 1 INT |
| Time of Possession | ~34:09 | ~25:51 |
This matchup may not have featured the household names at full strength, but it delivered a classic rivalry twist: backups stepping up, comebacks, and meaningful individual lines for those paying close attention. As the Eagles prepare for playoff football and the Commanders reset, these stats offer clues for 2026 matchups and fantasy drafts.
You May Also Like: Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats: Full Breakdown
Who won the Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles game on January 4, 2026?
The Commanders won 24-17 in a comeback victory.
Why didn’t Jalen Hurts or Saquon Barkley play?
The Eagles rested their stars after securing the NFC No. 3 seed for the playoffs.
What were Josh Johnson’s stats in the game?
He passed for 131 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT, plus rushed for 45 yards and a TD.
How did Terry McLaurin perform?
He led Washington receivers with 4 catches for 57 yards.
Was this game meaningful for playoff seeding?
No major impact: Eagles stayed No. 3; Commanders finished the season.
What does this mean for fantasy football next season?
Highlights depth options like Bigsby and Rodriguez, plus consistency from McLaurin.