2 things the NFL totally got wrong with the Commanders’ 2026 schedule: What did Washington do to deserve this?
The Commanders are trying to get back to playoff contender status after a tough 2025 season, but their 2026 schedule isn’t doing them any favors. Let’s break down why.
You know, NFL teams have to deal with the hand they’re dealt, but man, it’s safe to say the Washington Commanders’ 2026 schedule is one no squad wants to have.
Without wasting anymore time, let’s dive in and talk about why Dan Quinn and Co. have a mountain to climb in terms of the season layout.
2 ways the NFL completely screwed up the Commanders’ 2026 schedule
1. Have you seen the opening slate of games from Weeks 1-11?
For starters, the Commanders play three of their first four games on the road, according to the official 2026 schedule. Yes, the London game against the Indianapolis Colts is considered a “home game”, but we all know that’s a farce. The Commanders will travel the furthest air miles of the season to play “at home”.
And their one true home game is against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Enough said for the first month of the season.
That then extends into the first 10 games of the season: Not only do the Commanders have to deal with the above situation, eight of their first 10 games are against NFC opponents and five of those teams are NFCE rivals.
My goodness, talk about having to hit the ground running. While Jayden Daniels should be at the forefront and catalyst behind any success of the Commanders’ 2026 season, this early schedule puts a lot of pressure on a team that has two new coordinators.
A slow start could completely derail the season.
2. Commanders’ 2026 schedule is crammed with bookend road games
As mentioned earlier, four of the Commanders’ first six games are road games. Even with the Colts matchup labeled a home game.
It’s nearly the same for the back half of the season. After the Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Commanders play four of their last seven games on the road.
The good news is only one of those games is a divisonal matchup, and that’s the season finale against the Cowboys. Still, the Commanders are traveling a lot during crucial moments of the season and even the middle stretch that involves home games is filled with tough opponents.
Overall, the Commanders need to hit the ground running or else 2026 will feel awfully same as 2025 in terms of making the playoffs.
Below 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