Even With Two Matchups vs. Eagles, Commanders Have Manageable October Schedule

The Washington Commanders have a chance to make strides in October, even if they'll face the Philadelphia Eagles twice.

The Washington Commanders will have their October slate book-ended by matchups with the Philadelphia Eagles, which they are likely to be comfortable underdogs in both of. 

However, coach Ron Rivera's squad has three other manageable games in October. If quarterback Sam Howell and company are hopeful to make a postseason push in 2023, they need to make hay during the second month of the regular season. 

Week 4 at Eagles on Oct. 1: In case you haven't heard, Howell has already been sacked 19 times in three games. A matchup against star rookie Jalen Carter and a ferocious Philadelphia defensive line probably won't be a great remedy for that. The Eagles are currently eight-point favorites, and Washington will likely need to force multiple turnovers to win this game. 

Week 5 vs. Chicago Bears on Oct. 5: Quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears can continue to look this bad, right? The Bears have a league-worst -59 point differential after three weeks. They'll be coming into FedExField on a short week for Thursday Night Football. This is a game that the Commanders need to win comfortably. 

Week 6 vs. Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 15: Rookie running back Bijan Robinson looks electric so far, but quarterback Desmond Ridder and the Falcons have passed for just 553 yards in three weeks, 28th in the league. If Jack Del Rio's defense can keep Robinson and Tyler Allgeier from running wild, this could be a 20-17 win. 

Sam Howell, Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders have five games on their schedule for October.  / USA Today

Week 7 at New York Giants on Oct. 22: With four combined matchups against the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, it would behoove the Commanders to sweep the Giants if they are going to be a playoff team. Washington will probably be underdogs in this game, but at 1-2 the Giants have been one of the league's least impressive teams early this season. 

Week 8 vs. Eagles on Oct. 29: In his latest 20 regular season starts, the only loss that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has had came against the Commanders in Week 10 of last season. Weird things can happen in divisional games, and it would be massive for Washington to steal one of their two games against Philadelphia this month.