If you’re scrolling through your guide or frantically searching for what channel do the commanders play on today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re a Washington fan, you probably already know that the regular season wrapped up a couple of weeks ago.
Washington isn’t playing today. They didn't make the cut for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
It’s one of those weird Sundays where the house feels a little too quiet if you're used to the "Hail to the Commanders" ritual. Instead of Jayden Daniels taking snaps, the focus today is on the teams that actually survived the Wild Card gauntlet. While Washington is officially in "wait until next year" mode, the NFL machine keeps rolling.
Why the Commanders Aren't on TV Today
The NFL schedule for January 18, 2026, is strictly for the elite few left in the Divisional Round. Washington finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a 5-12 record. Honestly, it was a season of flashes and frustrations. They ended on a high note, actually—beating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-17 back on January 4. But that wasn't nearly enough to keep playing into late January.
Since they aren't in the bracket, there's no "channel" for them today. They’ve headed home. The coaches are likely already deep into film for the 2026 NFL Draft.
But, if you’re a football junkie and just want to watch some football, here is who took over the screen today:
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC)
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
Basically, if you were hoping to see the Burgundy and Gold, you’re about seven months too early for the next meaningful snap.
What Channel Do the Commanders Play On Today (Usually)?
When the season is actually in full swing, figuring out what channel do the commanders play on today usually comes down to three or four main suspects.
Most Sunday afternoon games for Washington land on FOX or CBS. Because they're in the NFC, FOX is their "home" network for the most part. However, with the way the NFL cross-flexes games now, CBS gets a healthy share of their matchups too.
For the night games, it’s the usual suspects:
- NBC handles Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN/ABC takes the Monday Night Football slots.
- Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
If you’re out of market—meaning you live in, say, California but bleed DC sports—you’ve likely been using NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. It’s pretty much the only way to catch every single game without relying on the local affiliate's whims.
Streaming the Commanders in 2026
The way we watch these games has changed so much lately. You don’t even really need a "channel" in the traditional sense anymore.
If you’re in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), you can usually stream the local broadcast through NFL+. It’s a mobile-only service for live games, which is kinda annoying if you want it on the big screen, but it works in a pinch. FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are the heavy hitters for fans who have finally cut the cord but still want that "flipping the channel" experience.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since you can't watch them today, you're probably wondering when you can. The 2026 schedule isn't fully set with times and dates yet—that usually happens in May—but we already know who they are playing.
The Commanders are slated to face the NFC West and the AFC South next year. That means matchups against the 49ers, Rams, and Texans. It’s not going to be an easy road. They also have their standard six games against the NFC East rivals: the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles.
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Quick Checklist for Next Season
- Local Games: FOX or CBS (check local listings).
- Primetime: NBC, ESPN, or Amazon Prime.
- Out-of-Market: NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Radio: BIG 100 (WBIG-FM) is the flagship for the Commanders Radio Network.
While the "today" part of your search might be a letdown, the cycle never really stops. Keep an eye on the NFL Combine in late February and the Draft in April. That’s when the "new" Commanders team actually starts to take shape.
For now, grab some wings and watch the Texans and Pats. It beats doing yard work.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the official Washington Commanders website or the NFL app in mid-May. That is when the specific dates, kickoff times, and broadcast networks for the 2026 season will be officially released. Until then, any "schedule" you see online is just a list of opponents without the specific TV assignments.