Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders in the second half at Northwest Stadium. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Saquon Barkley finds form as Eagles secure back-to-back NFC East titles

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 8:50 PM ET

For the first time since 2001-2004, the NFC East has a back-to-back champion. That happened Saturday evening as the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles knocked off the Washington Commanders 29-18 in an NFC Championship Game rematch.

Saquon Barkley finds his form again

Entering Saturday's game, superstar running back Saquon Barkley had just two games with 100-plus yards rushing. That was seven fewer than he had through 15 weeks of his stellar 2024-25 season.

He picked up his third 100-yard rushing game of the season against Washington, though, as he totaled 132 yards and a touchdown in the win. Barkley's 132 rushing yards were his most in a game since he totaled 150 in Week 8 against the New York Giants.

SAQUON SIX!

PHIvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/nWrzw0a1iZ
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025

Eagles' back-to-back wins have looked like last season's Super Bowl-winning team

Before last week's 31-0 shutout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Eagles had been in a bit of a slump. Philadelphia had lost three straight before last week, and it was beginning to feel extremely similar to the collapse that happened at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown have found their connection again in recent weeks, as Brown has now tallied 90-plus yards in four of the last five games.

Week 16 was important, but Week 17 is the true test

With the NFC East clinched, the Eagles will likely be the No. 3 seed for the NFC playoffs. Before then, though, Philadelphia has a Week 17 showdown against the reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen, and the Buffalo Bills.

A win for the Eagles against the Allen and the Bills would be a massive confidence-building win headed into January, as Philadelphia will look to defend its Super Bowl Championship.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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