The final quarter of the season begins with a matchup against the division-rival Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles are home for three of their final four games this season, which is no different than a year ago. Philadelphia was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, losing two of those games in 2015 including the Week 16 matchup with Washington which ultimately decided the NFC East. Tight end Jordan Reed, who was rewarded by the Redskins with a long-term contract this offseason, scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and finished the game with nine catches for 129 yards receiving in the 38-24 win for Washington.

The Redskins went from worst to first place in the NFC East thanks to the improved play of quarterback Kirk Cousins and the decisions made by Scot McCloughan in his first year as the team's general manager. Cousins posted the best completion percentage in the league (69.8), the fifth-best passer rating (101.6) and eighth-best average in yards per attempt (7.67). He is set to play the 2016 season under the franchise tag.

Armed with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Redskins fortified the offensive line with Brandon Scherff who took over the right guard spot. Second-round pick Preston Smith added to the team's pass rush as an outside linebacker while third-round pick Matt Jones was second on the team in rushing yards.

McCloughan has not been afraid to make tough decisions. The Redskins parted ways with nine players who started games for the team a year ago, and that does not include former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III. The cap space saved from not bringing back those veterans allowed the Redskins to pounce on the opportunity to improve a secondary that ranked 25th in total passing yards, passing yards per play and interception rate in 2015 by signing All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, who was released from the franchise tag by the Carolina Panthers. Washington added another playmaker on offense with this year's first-round pick Josh Doctson. The wide receiver has size (6-2, 202 pounds) and big-play ability (25 touchdowns in last two years at TCU) which will give the Eagles something else to consider in an offense that still has an intermediate weapon in Pierre Garçon and a deep threat with DeSean Jackson.

The key for the Redskins is that the quarterback situation is set (for this year anyway) and if Washington starts 2016 like it ended 2015 then this could once again be a showdown that helps determine the winner of the NFC East crown.