Week 1 is here. All those training camp practice reports are last month’s news. The preseason hype and debates will be forgotten in Philadelphia come Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, when the Eagles kick off against the Washington Commanders.There’s no use in writing, “I told you so!” four months from now, so let’s document superlatives before the storylines shuffle. (Here’s the 2025 version for comparison’s sake.)Most likely award winnerJalen Carter as Defensive Player of the YearThe Eagles might have the NFL’s best defense this season, and Carter could be their best player. He signed a deal making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. He enters this season healthier than last year. Remember how he looked in the postseason in January 2025? Carter can have that effect all year. His statistics have not matched his impact on games in his career (13.5 sacks in three seasons), though it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see that sack number increase. It would be difficult for a defensive tackle to win the award without double-digit sacks.Carter’s preseason odds have been in the top 10 in this category by multiple sportsbooks. Jalen Hurts as MVP was under consideration, although I’m not sure he’ll accumulate prolific passing numbers even if the Eagles are among the NFL’s best teams. Carter leading the NFL’s No. 1 defense might be a better path to an award.Last year: Jalen Hurts as MVPMost likely to earn first Pro Bowl honorsDeVonta SmithWithout A.J. Brown, Smith is in line for a major jump in volume and production. Even if the Eagles are a run-first team, that type of increase could put Smith firmly in contention with the top four receivers in the NFC.Smith has averaged 121.4 targets per 17 games during the past four seasons; Brown averaged 142.9 per 17 games. If Smith remains healthy and is targeted 150 times, he could finish with 90-100 catches and 1,250-1,500 yards. If he’s targeted 160-plus times like Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, watch out. Jordan Mailata also remains a perennial contender for this award. Jordan Davis might have a word, too.Last year: Jordan MailataThe next breakout starJalyx HuntIf last season was a “breakout” year for Hunt by leading the Eagles in sacks and interceptions, this season might be the year he’s recognized as one of the NFL’s top young edge rushers. Double-digit sacks are within reach. He was one of the best players on the field this summer. He has the tools to do everything desired at the position, and his skills match his frame and athleticism. Hunt could follow Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean by leaping to stardom. Sharing snaps with Jonathan Greenard and Nolan Smith might help: 5.5 of Hunt’s 6.5 sacks last season came after the Eagles acquired Jaelan Phillips, including two multi-sack performances.Last year: Quinyon Mitchell