4 things the NFL nailed on the Commanders’ 2026 schedule: The league clearly still believes in Jayden Daniels and Co.
Without a doubt, the Commanders’ 2026 schedule is as hard as they come, but there are some positives when you look a little closer.
The Washington Commanders certainly got the short end of the stick when it comes to its version of the 2026 schedule, but teams can only play the hand that’s been dealt.
So, let’s go ahead and flip over to the positive side of the coin and talk about the good parts.
4 things the NFL totally got right with the Commanders’ 2026 schedule
1. An early London game
International games are a pain for both NFL teams and fans. The travel logistics, time change, and overall process are major pains. Especially for creatures of habit like players and coaches.
The Commanders are losing a home game to London, but at least they’re getting it out of the way early. Jayden Daniels and Co. play in just the second international game that’s not during opening week and it’s in Week 4.
It’ll be nice to go ahead and get it out of the way and then move forward with the rest of the season.
Commanders’ international history
The Commanders have played two overseas game in the franchise’s history. Below is a general idea of how they’ve fared, so far.
- Record: 0-1-1
- Points per game: 20.0
- Points allowed per game: 21.5
- Most recent result: 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in 2025
2. No holiday games
Like international games, holiday games are a pain. Thanksgiving contests are just another iteration of Thursday Night Football and then Christmas is just whatever day it lands on (this year it’s a Friday).
The Commanders won’t have to worry about dealing with any of that, however, as they’re not involved in either. That’s also great for the team and its fans, as they can focus on spending time with loved ones and whatnot.
3. Commanders are once again on track to get a good chunk of the spotlight
You can’t complain about the lack of spotlight when it comes to the Commanders’ 2026 schedule, that’s for sure!
Right now, the team has eight games that are considered either primetime, standalone, or 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs: Eagles, Cowboys, Colts, 49ers (MNF), Eagles (SNF), Giants (TNF), Bengals (MNF), and Cardinals.
That’s nearly half the schedule and more could be added down the line considering the final three games are TBD. It looks as if the league is giving the team a pass for last year’s disaster and believes it can get back to the 2024 version that captured the NFL.
4. Monday Night Football after TNF
The NFL did the Commanders a big favor by giving them a Monday night game after their TNF matchup. The days in-between games after Thursday night are already considered a “mini-bye”, so getting that extra day is pretty clutch.
Here is the Commanders’ official 2026 schedule:
- Week 1: Commanders at Eagles, 4:25 p.m. EST
- Week 2: Commanders at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. EST
- Week 3: Commanders vs. Seahawks, 1 p.m. EST
- Week 4: Commanders vs. Colts (London), 9:30 a.m. EST
- Week 5: Commanders vs. Giants, 1 p.m. EST
- Week 6: Commanders at 49ers (MNF), 8:15 p.m. EST
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: Commanders vs. Eagles (SNF), 8:20 p.m. EST
- Week 9: Commanders vs. Rams, 1 p.m. EST
- Week 10: Commanders at Giants (TNF), 8:15 p.m. EST
- Week 11: Commanders vs. Cincinnati (MNF), 8:15 p.m. EST
- Week 12: Commanders at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. EST
- Week 13: Commanders at Titans, 1 p.m. EST
- Week 14: Commanders vs. Texans, 1 p.m.. EST
- Week 15: Commanders vs. Falcons, 1 p.m. EST
- Week 16: Commanders at Vikings, TBD
- Week 17: Commanders at Jaguars, TBD
- Week 18: Commanders vs. Cowboys, TBD