If you’re waking up this Friday, January 16, 2026, and frantically checking your sportsbook app or scrolling through your TV guide to find out what time the Commanders play today, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Washington Commanders are not playing today. In fact, they aren’t playing this weekend at all.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season was a rough ride for the DMV faithful. After the highs of the previous year, Washington finished the regular season with a 5-12 record, landing them firmly on the outside looking in as the NFL Divisional Round kicks off. While teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for high-stakes playoff matchups tomorrow and Sunday, the Commanders' locker room has already been cleared out for the winter.
The Reality of the Commanders Schedule Right Now
It's easy to get confused with the playoff buzz everywhere. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, features a massive NFC clash between the 49ers and the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET. But for Washington, the "game" has shifted from the grass at Northwest Stadium to the front office.
The team officially wrapped up their season on January 4, 2026, with a 24-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. While it was great to end on a high note and spoil a bit of Philly's momentum, that victory wasn't enough to save a season defined by injuries. We’re talking about a roster that lost 15 key players at various stretches, including two quarterbacks and a chunk of the defensive line.
So, if you see people wearing burgundy and gold today, they’re likely just showing pride or perhaps mourning what could have been. There is no kickoff. No "Hail to the Commanders" echoing through the stands. Just the quiet hum of an early offseason.
Why Washington Fans Are Focused on 2026 Instead
Since there is no answer to what time the Commanders play today other than "not at all," fans have pivoted to the future. And the future actually looks pretty interesting.
Because Washington finished third in the NFC East, their 2026 opponents are already set. It’s not a cake walk, but it offers some redemption arcs. We already know they’ll be hosting some heavy hitters next season, including:
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- The Dallas Cowboys (Always a circus)
- The Houston Texans (A rising AFC powerhouse)
- The Los Angeles Rams
- The Cincinnati Bengals
The NFL usually doesn’t release the actual times and dates for these games until May. So, while we know who they play, we’re still months away from knowing if we’re looking at a 1:00 PM Sunday slog or a Monday Night Football spectacle.
What to Watch Today If You’re a Football Fan
Just because the Commanders are idle doesn't mean you have to be. If you're looking for your football fix today, Friday is usually the "calm before the storm" in the NFL playoffs. Most of the action is centered around the Divisional Round previews.
However, if you just want to see some professional sports today, the NBA is filling the void. Specifically, the Philadelphia 76ers are taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s not football, but it’s high-level competition to keep you occupied while we wait for the NFL games to start tomorrow.
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Moving Forward: The Commanders' Next Steps
The Commanders are currently in "retool" mode. January 5th marked the first day they could start signing free agents from other leagues (like the CFL) and renegotiating rookie deals.
The front office, led by Adam Peters, is basically in a war room right now. They have a high draft pick coming up, and with the roster being frozen for playoff teams, Washington actually has a head start on scouting and planning. They need to address the depth issues that killed them this year. You can't lose five defensive ends and expect to compete in the NFC East. It just doesn't work.
If you’re a die-hard fan, the next date to circle on your calendar isn't a game day—it’s the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February. That’s where the 2026 season actually begins.
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Next Steps for Fans:
- Stop checking the TV listings for Washington today; you won't find them.
- Watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks tomorrow at 8:00 PM ET to see how the top of the NFC is operating.
- Keep an eye on the waiver wire. Now that the Commanders' season is over, they’ll be active in looking at "futures" contracts for young players.
The 2025 season is in the rearview mirror. It sucked, it was injury-plagued, and it ended way too early. But the draft cycle is starting, and in the NFL, hope is the only thing that moves faster than a blitzing linebacker.