There’s not much to look forward to for the rest of the Washington Commanders’ season, but they have seven games left, including an international game in Madrid, Spain, against the Miami Dolphins.

This matchup won’t impact any nonexistent playoff hopes for either team, but it will have a significant impact on the Commanders’ offseason. General manager Adam Peters has his work cut out for him, and every move is vital.

The season still has to play out, though, and the results of this next game against the Dolphins can have a lasting impact for years.

Commanders and Dolphins’ matchup heavily impacts 2026 NFL Draft order

Of course, nobody will be rooting for losses on the team or tanking, but the facts are facts, and the Commanders need the best possible draft pick to fix this team this offseason. Both teams have had rough seasons at 3-7, but the Dolphins are ahead of the Commanders in the draft order by one pick.

The NFL determines the draft order using multiple tiebreakers when teams have the same record, with strength of schedule being the primary one. The Commanders have the highest strength of schedule at .513, and the team with the lowest strength of schedule picks first, which is why the Dolphins are ahead at .500. However, things can change, as the strength of schedule is calculated based on opponents’ combined winning percentage.

The Commanders do have the much harder remaining schedule, though, so it’s likely they will pick after the Dolphins if they finish with the same record. If the teams were tied, the NFL would then use divisional records, conference records, and head-to-head results. The Commanders have the eighth pick and desperately need it to hit with their draft capital to build a young foundation.

The Commanders lack draft capital

Getting a top-five pick to take a top talent, or even trading back for a bigger haul, is a top priority for the Commanders with their lack of draft capital this offseason. General manager Adam Peters has his biggest offseason coming up with coaching changes and a roster that needs an overhaul. After not making any moves at the trade deadline, the Commanders only have six draft picks to work with.

The Commanders need every pick to hit, and every draft spot makes a huge difference. A win or loss to the Dolphins can drastically impact the draft order for both teams, and this will be a game we look back at in April.

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