By Jake DiBlasio/ Sports columnist
The reigning Super Bowl champions are once again on a conquest to raise the Lombardi and declare themselves world champions. The NFL schedule release is set for May 14 as the world waits to see when each matchup will be. While we already know each one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 14 regular season opponents, the timing of each matchup could certainly raise the stakes. After their historic season, it would be no surprise to see the Birds on primetime at least four, maybe even five, times for the 2025-26 season. As the Eagles look to repeat as Super Bowl champions, here are three games to watch out for:
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Despite being in opposite conferences, it seems a rivalry has started between these two teams. The bad blood between these two teams needs no explanation. Each one has handed the other a Super Bowl loss, a pain no player hopes to experience during their time in the league. The Chiefs emerged victorious first in 2023, winning in a close battle with a score of 38-35. Like many other Chiefs games, their Super Bowl win was highlighted by an impressive three-touchdown performance by Patrick Mahomes. While Jalen Hurts performed just as well on the other side, it was not enough to steal the victory away from Kansas City. Two years later, the Eagles avenged their defeat. While the first game was a close one, the Eagles dominated from start to finish, winning 40-22. Jalen Hurts and the offense were firing on all cylinders while the defense gave Mahomes no time to throw and did not give up a point until the very end of the third quarter. A rematch between these two in the regular season already has plenty of anticipation.
2.Detriot Lions
Both the Detroit Lions and the Eagles have emerged as two of the top teams in the NFC and are now slated to face off in the regular season. The Lions were the only team in the NFC to finish ahead of the Eagles but ultimately lost in the divisional round. While the Lions are still a very talented team, they could look completely unique. Detroit lost both coordinators this offseason, a crushing blow the Eagles experienced after the 2022-23 season. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to coach the division rival Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is heading to the Big Apple to coach the New York Jets. Nonetheless, the Lions and Eagles should make for a great game. Both teams play very similarly; each has two of the best offensive lines and run games in the league to pair with very talented defenses. The Lions and the Eagles could be a battle in the NFC that becomes more common as the two both look to regularly compete for a Super Bowl.
3. Washington Commanders
Another playoff rematch to keep an eye on. After losing to the Eagles in the NFC championship, the Commanders will be eager to beat the Birds in both of their matchups next season. Washington was able to completely turn around the direction of the organization after drafting Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Daniels was able to help the team go from the bottom of the league to within one game of the Super Bowl. Being division rivals, there was already plenty of hate between these two teams. Even when one team is not performing at its peak, the two teams consistently engage in intense competition. Now that both teams are among the very best in the NFL, the tensions are only heightened. Both the Eagles and Commanders will be fighting to win the NFC East and secure home field advantage for a playoff game. One of the two games against each other can very well determine the winner of the division.
As the Philadelphia Eagles look to repeat as Super Bowl champions, the path is not easy as they are set to face some of the best adversaries in the league. The Chiefs, Lions, and Commanders, among other teams, are set for great games, and I expect quite a few of them to be aired during prime time. Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni have done a great job constructing the roster and making the most of the team’s talent. While it seems far away, it is only a few months away until we get to see the Eagles play football.