If you're looking for a kickoff time for next Sunday, I've got some bad news. The Washington Commanders are officially done for the year. After a regular season that felt like a rollercoaster with the safety bar slightly loose, the team finished 5-12, landing them in third place in the NFC East.
While the rest of the league is' battling it out in the Divisional Round—with the Rams and Bears currently hogging the spotlight—Washington fans are stuck looking at mock drafts and stadium renderings. It's a bummer, honestly. But even though there isn't a game "next" in the literal sense of this week, we actually already know exactly who the Washington Commanders play next in the 2026 season. The NFL's scheduling formula is basically a math equation that doesn't care about your feelings or how many times Jayden Daniels had to run for his life this year.
The 2026 Opponent List Is Set
Since the regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, the list of opponents is locked. Because Washington finished third in their division, they get a "third-place schedule." In theory, that's supposed to be easier. In reality, the NFL is a meat grinder.
Here is what the home-and-away slate looks like for the next time the Commanders take the field at Northwest Stadium or on the road.
Games at Northwest Stadium (Home)
You've got the standard NFC East rivals first: the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. Those are non-negotiable. Beyond the division, the Commanders will host the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams from the NFC West. From the AFC South, the Houston Texans (led by C.J. Stroud) and the Indianapolis Colts are coming to town. To round it out, because of the third-place finish, Washington hosts the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons.
Road Games (Away)
The travel schedule is a bit of a trek. Aside from the trips to Dallas, Philly, and East Rutherford, the Commanders have to fly out to face the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. They also visit the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. The final "formula" game is a road trip to the Minnesota Vikings.
Why the Bengals Rematch Is the One to Watch
Remember that Monday Night Football game back in 2024? The one where Jayden Daniels basically announced himself to the world by out-dueling Joe Burrow? Well, we’re getting the sequel in 2026.
Since both teams finished in third place in their respective divisions this year, they are matched up again. It’s kinda poetic. Burrow vs. Daniels is becoming a low-key great quarterback rivalry, even if they only see each other every couple of years. Having that game at Northwest Stadium is going to be a massive ticket.
The NFC West Gauntlet
If you're wondering why the 2026 schedule looks intimidating, look no further than the NFC West. Washington has to play the whole division.
- San Francisco 49ers: Always a nightmare. Brock Purdy and that Kyle Shanahan offense usually treat the Commanders' secondary like a light snack.
- Seattle Seahawks: They just earned a first-round bye in the current playoffs. Playing them is never "easy."
- Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford isn't getting any younger, but Sean McVay still finds ways to make defenses look silly.
Basically, the Commanders are going to have to prove they can beat the elite teams if they want to avoid another 5-12 or 6-11 campaign. General Manager Adam Peters has a lot of work to do this offseason to bridge that gap.
Drafting for the Future
Since the Commanders aren't playing next week, all eyes are on the 2026 NFL Draft. By finishing 5-12, Washington has secured a high pick—currently projected in the top 10. The Las Vegas Raiders clinched the No. 1 overall pick, but the Commanders are in a prime spot to snag a blue-chip tackle or a lockdown corner.
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Honestly, the offensive line was the biggest "whoops" of the 2025 season. You can't have a franchise QB like Daniels taking that many hits. If the "next game" involves protecting the investment, then the front office needs to spend every waking hour scouting offensive linemen.
When Will the Dates Be Announced?
We know the who, but we won't know the when until the NFL does its big schedule release show in May 2026. Usually, that happens the second week of May.
Expect a lot of 1:00 p.m. starts. When you win five games, the networks aren't exactly clamoring to put you on Sunday Night Football. That said, with Jayden Daniels' jersey being a top seller, the NFL might sneak a Commanders-Cowboys or Commanders-Bengals game into a primetime slot just for the ratings.
The International Wildcard
There’s a rumor floating around about the 2026 international games. Washington played the Dolphins in Madrid back in November 2025, which was a huge deal as the NFL's first-ever regular season game in Spain. Whether they get sent overseas again in 2026 is still up in the air, but the NFL loves rotating the "away" teams for these global matchups. If it happens, it would likely replace one of those road games in Jacksonville or Tennessee.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Draft Order: Keep tabs on the final playoff results to see exactly where Washington's pick lands once the tiebreakers are settled.
- Season Ticket Deposits: If you're planning on seeing the Bengals or Texans at home, the team has already started taking deposits for 2026 season tickets at Northwest Stadium.
- Watch the Coaching Carousel: Dan Quinn is back, but keep an eye on any coordinator changes. A 5-12 season usually leads to some "exploratory conversations" regarding the coaching staff.
- Follow the Divisional Round: Even though Washington is out, watching the Rams vs. Bears game today (Jan 18) gives you a look at two teams Washington will face in 2026. It’s the best way to scout the future competition.
The 2025 season might be a wrap, but the road to 2026 is already being paved. It's a long wait until September, but at least we know who's standing in the way.