The Washington Commanders are finally relevant again. Honestly, it’s been a minute. But with the 2025-2026 season hitting its critical stretch in January 2026, fans aren't just looking at the box scores anymore—they're obsessing over the calendar. If you're asking who are the Commanders playing next, you're likely trying to figure out if this team can actually hold onto their standing in the NFC East or if the wheels are about to fall off.
Schedule-watching in DC has become a high-stakes hobby.
The Immediate Road Ahead: Who are the Commanders playing next?
Right now, the focus is squarely on the divisional gauntlet. The NFL loves drama, and the schedule makers ensured the end of this season is loaded with NFC East matchups.
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Washington's next opponent is the Dallas Cowboys.
Playing Dallas is never just another game. It’s a culture war. This upcoming matchup is a home game at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field, though many fans still struggle to call it by the new name). The Cowboys are coming off a short week, which might give Washington a slight physical edge, but in this rivalry, logic usually goes out the window. If you're heading to the stadium, expect the usual sea of blue jerseys trying to drown out the "Hail to the Commanders" chants. It’s annoying. We know.
Looking Past the Star
After the Cowboys, the schedule doesn't exactly get "easy." The Commanders have to fly north to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
"The Linc" is a nightmare for visiting quarterbacks. The crowd is relentless. If the Commanders are still in the hunt for the division title by the time they hit Philly, that game will basically be a playoff preview. Most analysts, including those over at ESPN and the Athletic, have highlighted this specific two-week stretch as the "make or break" window for Washington's postseason aspirations.
Why the Schedule Difficulty Matters Right Now
It’s not just about who they play, but when and where.
Late-season games in the Northeast are brutal. We're talking wind, freezing rain, and turf that feels like concrete. Washington has historically struggled in cold-weather defensive slugfests, though the new coaching staff has emphasized a "power run" identity that's supposed to travel well in January.
Let's talk about the strength of schedule.
Entering the final month, Washington’s remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of over .550. That’s top-five difficulty in the league. Compare that to some of the NFC South teams who are coasting through sub-.500 schedules, and you start to see why every single win for the Commanders feels like pulling teeth.
The Quarterback Factor
You can't talk about the upcoming games without mentioning the health of the roster. Injuries always pile up by Week 17 and 18. Keep an eye on the Wednesday injury reports. If the offensive line is shuffling players against a defensive front like the one in Philadelphia, the "who" matters a lot less than the "how" they plan to protect the pocket.
The defense has been the surprising backbone lately. They’ve been top 10 in pressures, which is exactly what you need when you're facing elite NFC quarterbacks back-to-back.
The Playoff Implications
If they sweep these next two games? They're likely locks for a top-four seed.
If they split? It comes down to tiebreakers.
The NFL tiebreaker system is a labyrinth. It starts with head-to-head records, then moves to divisional records, and eventually lands on "strength of victory." If Washington loses to Dallas but beats Philly, their divisional record stays messy. Fans need to root for some chaos in the West and South divisions too, just to widen the wild card safety net.
Road vs. Home Splits
Interestingly, the Commanders have played better on the road this year. It makes no sense. Usually, the home crowd provides a "12th man" advantage, but this roster seems to thrive on the "us against the world" mentality in hostile stadiums.
That’s good news for the Philly game.
It’s bad news for the home stand against the Cowboys.
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How to Follow the Action
Most of these upcoming high-stakes games are being flexed into primetime. Check your local listings because the 1:00 PM kickoff is becoming a rarity for this team.
- TV Coverage: Most likely FOX or NBC (Sunday Night Football) given the playoff implications.
- Radio: BIG 100.3 is still the flagship for the local call if you want that hometown bias (which, let’s be honest, we all do sometimes).
- Streaming: NFL+ or Peacock, depending on the specific broadcast rights for that week.
Actionable Steps for Commanders Fans
Don't just sit there and watch the clock. If you’re tracking the path to the playoffs, here is exactly what you should do to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Monitor the NFC East Standings Daily
Don't just look at wins and losses. Check the "Division Record" column. If Washington and Dallas finish with the same overall record, the team with the better record against NFC East opponents gets the higher seed. This makes the next game against the Cowboys a "four-point game" in terms of standings value.
2. Watch the Weather Reports for Landover and Philadelphia
The Commanders’ offense relies heavily on timing routes and explosive plays. High winds (above 15 mph) significantly neuter the deep ball. If the forecast calls for a Nor'easter or heavy gusts, expect a heavy dose of the run game and lower-scoring totals. This is crucial for anyone looking at fantasy football implications or betting lines.
3. Scout the "In-The-Hole" Opponents
Look two weeks ahead. If a future opponent has a bye week right before they play Washington, they’ll have fresh legs and extra film study time. Currently, the Commanders' final opponents do not have that advantage, which is a rare scheduling win for DC.
4. Secure Tickets Early (If You’re Going)
Resale prices for the Dallas game are already spiking. If you wait until the week of the game, you’ll be paying a "playoff tax." Use verified platforms like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek to avoid the rampant scamming that happens on social media marketplaces during winning seasons.
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The path to February goes through these next few Sundays. Whether they crumble under the pressure or finally prove the rebuild is over depends entirely on how they handle this specific stretch of opponents. It's going to be a stressful month. Buckle up.