If you are frantically scrolling through your guide trying to figure out what channel is commanders game on tonight, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, you can stop refreshing the ESPN app. The Washington Commanders are not playing tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
While today is a massive day for NFL football—it’s the Divisional Round of the playoffs—the Burgundy and Gold are watching from home just like the rest of us. After a rollercoaster 2025 season that didn't quite go to plan, Washington finished with a 5-12 record, missing the postseason cut.
It’s a bummer, especially since the energy around Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn had everyone's hopes sky-high back in September. But instead of a Commanders kickoff, the NFL schedule for tonight features the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC. Earlier today, the Houston Texans faced the New England Patriots on ABC and ESPN.
What Channel is Commanders Game on Tonight? The Reality Check
It’s easy to get confused. Usually, by mid-January, we’re used to seeing "Washington" next to a playoff seed, especially after that 12-5 run they had in 2024. But 2025 was a different beast. The team struggled with a brutal eight-game losing streak mid-season, and key injuries to stars like Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels really took the wind out of their sails.
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Because they finished third in the NFC East, they didn't qualify for the tournament. So, if you're looking for the game tonight, you won't find one. The "Commanders game" essentially became the "NFL Draft prep" game a few weeks ago.
Where did the season go wrong?
Basically, the defense couldn't get off the field. Washington ranked near the bottom of the league, allowing roughly 26.5 points per game. You can’t win many track meets in the NFL when your secondary is giving up big plays like they're handing out candy. Even though the season ended on a high note—a 24-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on January 4—it was too little, too late.
How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Tonight (Since Washington is Out)
Since we’ve established there is no Commanders game on the dial, you might still want to catch the high-stakes action happening right now. The Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of football all year.
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- Game 1 (Earlier Today): Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots. This aired on ABC/ESPN.
- Game 2 (Tonight): Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET.
- The Channel: You can find this on NBC.
- Streaming: If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it live on Peacock.
It’s wild to see the Bears in this position while Washington sits out, especially considering both teams started their new eras around the same time. Watching Caleb Williams vs. Matthew Stafford tonight is a pretty decent consolation prize, even if it’s not the matchup we wanted.
Looking Ahead: When is the Next Commanders Game?
Since you can't watch them tonight, your next chance to see the Commanders in live action won't be until the 2026 Preseason in August. I know, that feels like a lifetime away. However, the 2026 opponents are already set.
Washington is slated to play a tough schedule next year. They’ll be hosting the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium. They also have to travel to face the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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2026 Home Opponents
- Dallas Cowboys
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Giants
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Atlanta Falcons
2026 Road Opponents
- Dallas Cowboys
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Giants
- Minnesota Vikings
- San Francisco 49ers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
Why Fans Keep Searching for the Game
The confusion usually stems from the "Sunday Night Football" habit. Fans are conditioned to look for their team on the weekends. Plus, with the new flexible scheduling the NFL uses, kickoff times and channels move around constantly during the regular season.
But once the playoffs start, the schedule is rigid. If your team isn't on the bracket, they aren't on the air.
Actionable Steps for Commanders Fans Tonight
Just because the game isn't on doesn't mean you can't be a fan. If you're feeling the void, here is how you can spend your Sunday night productively:
- Scout the Competition: Watch the Rams-Bears game on NBC. These are both teams Washington will face in 2026. Seeing how their schemes have evolved will give you a leg up on next year's trash talk.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 5-12 record, Washington is sitting on a high draft pick. Start looking at mock drafts for 2026. Names like Cam Ward or top-tier defensive linemen are going to be the talk of the town in DC for the next four months.
- Review the Stats: Take a look at the 2025 position reviews. Ben Sinnott and Zach Ertz (before his injury) showed some real flashes. Knowing who is a "pending free agent" helps you understand what Adam Peters needs to do this offseason.
The Commanders' season is over, but the road to 2026 starts now. Set your DVR for the NFL Combine in February—that’s the next time we’ll see the front office really start to cook.