Here we go again, an NFC East game between the Eagles and Commanders with the NFC East still there for the taking and the season reaching the halfway point. Philadelphia prevailed 24-22 in Week 1 at Lincoln Financial Field. Now the rivalry takes us to Landover, Maryland and a Sunday Night Football audience and, well, a battle of two teams in need of a victory.

Let's get to it! Storylines abound!!!

1. How much can the offense expect from Saquon Barkley?

He is a warrior of warriors. Running back Saquon Barkley will give it a go on Sunday night as he battles hamstring and back injuries. When he has been on the field this season, Barkley has been dynamic – he's averaging 5.7 yards per carry, second behind Kansas City's Kenneth Walker 5.8-yard-per-carry average. Barkley lit up the Cowboys last week with 72 total yards and a score on nine touches, but the injuries kept him limited. The Eagles have Jaydon Blue and Elijah Mitchell ready to spell Barkley. A big running game is so critical for this offense to function at a high level. We saw it against Dallas. If Barkley can stay out on the field ...

2. Tanner McKee, start No. 3

We would all agree that McKee played well against Dallas, yes? Three long touchdown drives, command of the huddle, quick decisions. He wasn't perfect, of course, but McKee made solid progress. He is expecting more progress against a defense that blitzes 43.9 percent of the time, second-most in the NFL. With another full week under his belt, the timing and chemistry should improve. Having the offensive line return intact from last week is also a big-time plus. What a difference it made having Landon Dickerson and Drew Kendall at left guard and center, respectively.

3. Jayden Daniels, the do-it-all quarterback

Give the young man his flowers. Daniels is a terrific quarterback who works the pocket, threatens the defense with his legs, and makes good decisions with his arm. He's coming off a big game against the 49ers – 29-of-40, 300 yards, and two touchdowns. Washington is without veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin, but the Commanders have Stefon Diggs and some younger receivers, like Antonio Williams, who are talented. Daniels is the centerpiece of the offense and a tough quarterback to corral.

4. Philadelphia's run defense is in the spotlight

Following a tough outing on Monday night against Dallas, how does the run defense respond? The Commanders average 125.2 rushing yards per game, so they know how to get it done and they do it with Daniels and a committee in the backfield. There isn't much more to say here. The challenge is right there in front of the defense. It's a reasonable expectation that the Commanders will come out early and try to establish the ground game.

5. Special teams have to be special

There have been some really good things happening on special teams and now the group has some adversity with brilliant punt returner Britain Covey out with a knee injury and the kickoff return men largely new. Washington has a veteran special teams group and with two teams as closely matched as these two are, field position is going to be huge. Big moment for the depth of the roster here.

6. Some stats that may or may not matter ...

• Nick Sirianni is 5-0 in past Week 8 games.
• Twenty-three points could be the magic number for the Eagles to score. Daniels is 22-0 when Washington allows 22 or fewer points.
• The Eagles have not played in a primetime game at Washington since 2013. Philadelphia opened the Chip Kelly era with a wild Monday night win at Washington.
• Turnovers matter. The Eagles are minus-3 for the season and Washington is plus-6, having turned the ball over just two times in their six games.
• Oh, the red zone! Washington's defense allows a league-worst 81.8 touchdown percentage in the red zone, while the Eagles rank fourth in the league, scoring touchdowns on 14 of 19 trips inside opponents' 20-yard line.