It may have only been Week 8, but the Washington Commanders came into their Sunday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles knowing they needed to come out of this game with a win to keep their playoff chances alive.

“It is a must-win for us. Every game’s a must-win for us,” tight end Chig Okonkwo said. “That’s how we approach it and we knew this week was even more important because of the state of the division. Arizona got us one today too, so that’s really good.”

Washington was the only NFC East team to win in Week 8 since the New York Giants were on bye and the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys in overtime. With this win, the Commanders are only two games back in the division.

It was not easy despite the 17-point margin at the end. After the first quarter, Washington found themselves in a 10-point hole. Philadelphia’s only touchdown came off a fumble by Okonkwo, his first since 2024. In fact, in his five-year career, it was only his third career fumble and his second lost fumble.

Okonkwo was less involved in the offense than expected after Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury in their last game against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the game against the Eagles with just two receptions for 32 yards. However, he did have the catch of the game, a one-handed reception that helped bail Jayden Daniels out of trouble. It was impressive. Treylon Burks led Washington in receiving yards with 81, his most of the season so far.