Philadelphia Eagles NFL Schedule 2021: 5 must-win games

2 of 5

Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports) /

4) vs. Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team, as the reigning NFC East champions, are the team that everyone in the division will measure themselves against in 2021 … Especially the rebuilding Eagles.

Last season, Washington swept the Eagles, including winning a Week 17 contest at Lincoln Financial Field that sparked widespread allegations that head coach Doug Pederson “tanked” the second-half, in part to improve Philadelphia’s positioning in the NFL Draft. For the Eagles’ efforts, Philadelphia wound up picking sixth-overall, trading that pick to acquire an additional first-round choice in 2022 and ultimately netted Smith in a trade up with the Dallas Cowboys.

It is safe to say that Hurts’ supporting cast will be significantly stronger this season than last, but also fair to wonder if the Eagles’ defense will be able to contain Washington’s playmakers; running back Antonio Gibson and receivers Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin.

This game will show just how close — or far away — the Eagles are from legitimately competing.

Home/NFL Schedule