If you’re waking up this Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, and scrolling through your sports apps looking for the Commanders game time today, I’ve got some tough news for you. There isn't one. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with some massive matchups on the docket, Washington is watching from the couch.
It’s a bit of a gut punch, honestly. Especially after the high of the 2024 season where Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels seemingly turned the franchise around overnight. But the 2025 campaign didn't follow the script. Instead of a deep playoff run, the Commanders finished their season a couple of weeks ago with a 5-12 record, landing them third in the NFC East.
What's actually happening in the NFL today?
Since there’s no Commanders game to tune into, you might be wondering who actually is playing. We’re in the heart of the Divisional Playoffs. Today's slate features two games that determine who moves on to the Conference Championships:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Kickoff is set for 3:05 PM ET on ABC and ESPN. It’s a battle of the young guns with C.J. Stroud taking on Drake Maye in Foxborough.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This one kicks off at 6:40 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Caleb Williams is looking to keep the Bears' Cinderella story alive at a likely freezing Soldier Field.
Yesterday, the top seeds showed exactly why they earned those first-round byes. The Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the 49ers 41-6, and the Denver Broncos edged out the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller, 33-30.
Why the Commanders aren't playing
So, what went wrong? Why aren't we talking about a Commanders game time today in the second round of the playoffs?
The 2025 season was a massive "sophomore slump" for the new-look Washington regime. Jayden Daniels dealt with some nagging injuries that sapped a bit of that magic we saw during his Rookie of the Year campaign. The defense, which many hoped would take a step forward under Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., struggled significantly, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed (451 total on the year).
They started okay at 3-2, but an eight-game losing streak in the middle of the season basically ended the conversation by December. Even with a season-ending 24-17 win over the Eagles to play spoiler, it was too little, too late.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Season
While today is quiet for fans in D.C., the front office is already deep into 2026 prep. We already know who the Commanders will be facing next year. Because they finished third in the division, they'll have a schedule that includes the NFC West and AFC South.
Home Games at Northwest Stadium:
- Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
- Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
- Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
- Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons
Road Trips:
- Dallas, Philly, New York (The usual suspects)
- Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers
- Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans
It’s not an easy road. Facing the Seahawks and Rams at home will be a massive test, especially considering those two teams are currently battling it out in the playoffs right now.
The Silver Lining
The "benefit" of a 5-12 season? Draft capital. Adam Peters and the scouting department are likely in Mobile or prepping for the Combine as we speak. After drafting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round last year to protect Daniels, the focus this offseason has to be on that porous defense.
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If you're looking for a silver lining while watching the Rams and Bears today, just remember that the NFL moves fast. The Bears were at the bottom of the league not long ago, and now they're hosting a Divisional game. Washington has the quarterback; now they just need to rebuild the infrastructure around him again.
For now, grab some wings, pick a side in the AFC/NFC matchups today, and start counting down the days until the 2026 season opener.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the NFL Draft order as the playoffs wrap up. Washington will likely be picking in the top 10, and with needs at cornerback and edge rusher, those first few picks will define whether the 2026 Commanders game time today in January becomes a reality next year. You should also check the team's official site for season ticket deposits, as the 2026 home slate features some of the league's biggest stars coming to Landover.