If you’re looking for a final score from a Washington game on this Thursday, January 15, 2026, there’s a quick reality check: the field is empty today. The Washington Commanders didn't play a game today because their 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up on January 4th.
The last time they suited up, they actually pulled off a bit of a shocker. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-17 in the regular-season finale. It was a weird, gritty win to end a pretty rough 5-12 season.
While the rest of the NFL is gearing up for the Divisional Round this coming weekend—think Bills vs. Broncos and 49ers vs. Seahawks—Washington is already deep into "next year" mode. Honestly, the locker room is probably more focused on the upcoming draft and nursing injuries than any X's and O's right now.
Who won commanders game today: Looking back at the Week 18 upset
Even though there isn't a live game happening this second, that last win against Philly is still the talk of the town for fans trying to find a silver lining. Washington walked into Lincoln Financial Field as major underdogs. They were facing an 11-6 Eagles team that needed a win to help their playoff seeding.
Washington started their third-string quarterback, the 39-year-old veteran Josh Johnson. Nobody expected much. But Johnson played like he had nothing to lose. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown to John Bates and scrambled in for the game-winning 1-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left on the clock.
The Eagles were resting some stars, sure. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley didn't see the field. But a win is a win, especially one that ruins a division rival's momentum heading into the postseason.
- Final Score: Washington Commanders 24, Philadelphia Eagles 17
- Key Performer: Josh Johnson (14/22, 131 yards, 1 TD, 1 Rushing TD)
- Defensive Standout: The secondary held Philly's backup Tanner McKee to just one touchdown despite him throwing 40 times.
Why Washington isn't playing in the January playoffs
It’s kinda tough to see the schedule move on without you. The Commanders finished third in the NFC East, ahead of only the New York Giants. Their 5-12 record wasn't nearly enough to sniff a Wild Card spot.
The season was a rollercoaster that mostly went downhill after a decent 3-2 start. Injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota forced the team to rotate through quarterbacks, which rarely ends well in this league. By the time they hit the mid-season stretch, they lost seven games in a row. It was brutal.
But that Week 18 win? It changed the vibe. It gave the front office something to look at besides just the "L" column.
What’s next for the Commanders now that the season is over
Since the question of who won commanders game today is technically "nobody," the real focus shifts to the 2026 schedule and the NFL Draft. We already know who they're playing next year. Because they finished third in the division, they have a specific slate of opponents lined up.
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They’ll be hosting some heavy hitters at Northwest Stadium. The Atlanta Falcons are coming to town for the sixth year in a row. They also have dates with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks.
On the road, it gets even tougher. They have to travel to San Francisco and Minnesota. And of course, the usual divisional slugfests with Dallas, Philly, and the Giants are always on the calendar.
The coaching staff is likely scouting talent to protect Jayden Daniels better. You can't have your franchise guy sidelined as often as he was this year. Most experts expect Washington to go heavy on offensive line and secondary help in the early rounds of the draft.
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Actionable insights for fans
- Check the Playoff Schedule: If you need a football fix this weekend, the Divisional Round starts Saturday, January 17th. Watch the Seahawks and 49ers if you want to see how the top of the NFC is currently operating.
- Follow Mock Drafts: Now that Washington's draft position is locked in after the 5-12 finish, pay attention to analysts like Mel Kiper or Daniel Jeremiah. They'll start projecting which linemen or cornerbacks might land in D.C.
- Review the 2026 Opponents: Start looking at the home and away matchups for next season. If you're planning a road trip to see the Commanders play in Nashville or Arizona, those schedules are already firming up.
The season ended on a high note in Philadelphia, but the real work is happening in the front office this week. The quest for a winning record starts with these off-season evaluations.