As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to close out their 2025 NFL regular season at Lincoln Financial Field, all eyes are on backup quarterback Tanner McKee, who will start against the Washington Commanders in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes audition not just for the Eagles, but for the entire league. With the Eagles (11-5) having already clinched their second consecutive NFC East Championship after a decisive 29-18 win over Washington in Week 16, head coach Nick Sirianni has opted to rest most of his key starters, including star quarterback Jalen Hurts, in anticipation of the playoffs beginning the weekend of January 10, 2026.
The Week 18 matchup, kicking off at 4:25 p.m. and broadcast on CBS News Philadelphia and Paramount Plus, presents a unique scenario for both teams. The Commanders (4-12), ravaged by injuries and inconsistent play, will start veteran journeyman Josh Johnson, now with his 14th NFL team, after both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota were sidelined with injuries. For the Eagles, it’s a chance to showcase the depth that has been their saving grace all season long.
“It’s not a guarantee that we can get the two seed, but I can guarantee that I can rest the starters,” Sirianni explained earlier in the week. “We’re going in there to try and win the game with some guys who haven’t played a ton of snaps on offense and defense but obviously have contributed. I felt like that was the best thing for the football team.”
Indeed, the stakes for Philadelphia are clear: a win over Washington, combined with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions, would elevate the Eagles to the No. 2 seed, setting up a home playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. If not, the Birds will settle for the No. 3 seed. The Lions, however, are 3.5-point underdogs on the road in Chicago, adding a layer of unpredictability to the playoff picture.
With Jalen Hurts on the sideline, the spotlight turns to McKee, who impressed in his only previous NFL start—a 20-13 victory over the New York Giants in the 2024 season finale, where he completed 27 of 41 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. “I feel like, in general, I try to prepare like I’m going to be the starter,” McKee told Word on the Birds. “So as far as preparation, things didn’t change that much because I feel like I prepare that way every week. But last night I was going through the call sheet a few times and just running things in every single possible scenario that we could get. Just so I could go out and not think and just play with second nature.”
McKee enters the final year of his 4-year, $4.02 million rookie contract, and his performance today could very well determine his future—and potentially net him a lucrative deal, perhaps akin to the 1-year, $14 million contract Daniel Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025. The buzz around McKee has fueled ongoing trade rumors, especially given Eagles general manager Howie Roseman’s reputation as an unmatched dealmaker. The Eagles even drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, stashing him on the practice squad as a possible contingency.
Several NFL teams are reportedly watching McKee closely. The Colts, with Jones out for the 2026 season due to an Achilles injury, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who may be without Patrick Mahomes because of a torn ACL, are both in the market for quarterback depth. Meanwhile, franchises like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers—each likely to draft a quarterback in 2026—might see McKee as a valuable bridge or developmental piece. For the Eagles, a strong outing by McKee could translate into a high draft pick or a package of picks in a future trade.
This game isn’t just about the quarterbacks, though. Philadelphia’s depth will be on full display, with reserves and practice squad players eager to seize the moment. Running back Tank Bigsby, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry on 42 attempts, is expected to shoulder much of the ground game. Wide receiver Darius Cooper, an undrafted free agent who’s caught six passes for 59 yards this season, is another player to watch, as is special teams standout Kylen Granson, who will look to add to his four catches on the year.
On defense, rookie standouts like defensive tackle Ty Robinson, linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., and defensive backs Mac McWilliams, Jakorian Bennett, and Brandon Johnson will see extended action. Johnson, a 5-foot-10 rookie out of Oregon, was recently elevated from the practice squad and made his NFL debut against Washington just two weeks ago.
The Commanders, for their part, are limping toward the finish line. Jayden Daniels, once expected to be the face of the franchise, was shut down three weeks ago after re-injuring his dislocated left elbow. With Marcus Mariota also sidelined, 39-year-old Josh Johnson gets the nod. The Commanders’ season has been defined by injuries, aging stars, and questionable coaching decisions, leaving many to wonder how they’ll match up against Philadelphia’s hungry reserves.
Despite the lack of marquee starters, the game has generated plenty of predictions. Martin Frank of Delawareonline.com sees the Eagles’ depth as a decisive factor, picking Philadelphia to win 26-9. Greg Giesen predicts a 21-10 Eagles victory, while Tom Moore expects the Birds to notch their 12th win in four years with a 20-13 result. Even with backups on both sides, most experts believe Philadelphia’s roster is simply deeper and better prepared for this moment.
For fans heading to the game, SEPTA is running additional Broad Street Line subway service to and from NRG Stadium, ensuring a smooth ride for what’s expected to be a lively home crowd. The Kelly Green will be out in force, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Eagles’ next wave of talent and perhaps witness the start of an unexpected playoff hero’s journey.
As the regular season finale unfolds, the Eagles’ focus is clear: stay healthy, give young players a chance to shine, and, if all goes well, secure a higher playoff seed. For Tanner McKee and the rest of Philadelphia’s reserves, this is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to shape their futures, both in midnight green and beyond. With the action underway, the NFL world is watching to see who seizes the moment and who might just write the next chapter in Eagles history.