After a surprisingly impressive start to the season, which included a few blowout victories, the Commanders have lost a bit of steam coming into this matchup. In Week 8, they needed a Hail Mary pass to beat the Chicago Bears 18-15. The New York Giants then almost covered a 3.5-point spread in a 27-22 loss to Washington.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have won five consecutive games, beating three of their last four opponents by 20-plus points.

Most of our experts backed Philadelphia, but Michelino pumped the brakes on the surging Eagles in favor of the Commanders.

“The Eagles will host the Commanders on TNF as 3.5-point favorites in a star-studded battle that has game-of-the-year potential. Both teams are led by quarterbacks having impressive seasons, with Hurts leading all QBs in rushing touchdowns and Jayden Daniels running away with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

“The biggest question yet to be fully answered…are these Commanders the real deal? Also, this division rivalry has been one-sided in recent years.

“The Eagles, who look like legit total contenders, are winners of five straight after a rocky start and rank second in total defense. While Washington’s defense is much improved, it’s a tall order facing this set of skill weapons both through the air and on the ground.

“The X-factor for me is the explosiveness of Daniels, who showed impressive poise and patience playing a tough Steelers defensive front last week. I believe Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury will game-plan a more aggressive attack to keep pace. In key division matchups like this, my lean is always taking the points, and I see no reason to stray here.

“The Commanders will likely lose in this spot, but I don’t see it by more than a field goal.”

ATS Consensus: Eagles -3.5

Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Commanders 21