The Washington Commanders want to prove to the world that they have closed the gap with their rivals in the NFC East in the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
They may have to wait a little longer than first realized to show that, though.
The Commanders and Eagles have been announced to face off against each other in Week 16 on December 20th as part of a FOX double-header on Saturday. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are part of the second double-header on the same day.
Washington and Philly split the season series last year. Philadelphia took the first game at home in a 26-18 victory in early November. The Eagles took control of the NFC East in that game and never looked back last year.
The Commanders did respond with a victory of their own a month later in a 36-33 comeback win that helped Washington reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Jalen Hurts did not play for the final three quarters of that game, though due to a concussion.
When the two teams faced off in the NFC Title game, though, it was no contest. The Eagles trounced the upstart Commanders 55-23 to reach Super Bowl LIX - another game they would win by three scores.
Washington is looking for payback this season against the defending champs to show that they can be considered as true title contenders themselves.
We won't be seeing those two teams in primetime for a little bit, though.