Wait, let's get the elephant out of the room first. If you're asking what time is the redskins game, you're technically looking for the Washington Commanders. Old habits die hard. I get it. For a generation of fans, that old name is burned into the brain like the smell of charcoal at a RFK Stadium tailgate. But if you're checking the 2026 NFL schedule, you won't find the "Redskins" anywhere on the ticker.
The team has moved on, even if your lucky Sunday jersey hasn't.
Finding the exact kickoff time for the next Washington game depends entirely on where you're sitting and what week of the season we're in. The NFL loves to flex games now more than ever. One week you're waking up for a 1:00 PM ET kickoff against the Giants, and the next, the league decides Jayden Daniels is too big of a star for the early window and bumps the game to 4:25 PM ET or even Sunday Night Football.
It's chaotic. It’s the modern NFL.
Navigating the Washington Commanders 2026 Schedule
Most Washington games still anchor that traditional 1:00 PM ET Sunday slot. It's the "Goldilocks" zone for East Coast football. Not too early, not too late. However, because the NFC East is perpetually a soap opera, national networks like FOX and CBS frequently fight over the rights to broadcast Washington matchups.
If the game is at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field), expect that 1:00 PM start for the bulk of the home opener and early division games. But if they're traveling out west to face the Rams or the 49ers, put down the coffee and grab a sandwich—you're looking at a 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET kickoff.
Keep an eye on the "Flex Scheduling" windows. Starting as early as Week 5, the NFL can move Sunday afternoon games around to ensure the best matchups get the most eyeballs. By Week 12, even Monday Night Football is subject to change. If the Commanders are in a playoff hunt, that 1:00 PM game you planned your Sunday around could easily vanish, replaced by a primetime lights-and-glamour start at 8:20 PM ET.
Where to Find the Most Accurate Kickoff Times
Don't trust a printed calendar you bought in August. It’s a lie. Seriously.
The most reliable way to verify what time is the redskins game (or Commanders game, if we’re being official) is to check the live NFL digital ticket. Apps like the official NFL app or the Washington Commanders team app sync directly with the league's scheduling office. If a game gets flexed at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, these apps update instantly.
- Local Radio: 106.7 The Fan is still the heartbeat of DC sports. They start pre-game coverage hours before the ball is on the tee.
- National Broadcasters: Check the schedules for FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN/ABC.
- Streaming Platforms: If it’s a Thursday night, it’s almost certainly on Amazon Prime Video. Don't go looking for it on cable; you'll just end up frustrated and missing the first quarter.
There’s a weird nuance to kickoff times that people often forget: the difference between "broadcast start" and "actual kickoff." If the TV guide says 1:00 PM, the kicker's foot usually doesn't hit the ball until 1:02 or 1:05 PM. Those few minutes are filled with the national anthem, team intros, and about three commercials for pickup trucks.
The Identity Crisis: Why the Old Name Still Dominates Search
It's been years since the rebrand. First to the "Washington Football Team" (which, honestly, had a certain minimalist charm) and then to the "Commanders." Yet, thousands of people every week still type the old name into their phones.
Why?
It's nostalgic. For many, the "Redskins" represents the Joe Gibbs era, the Hogs, and the three Super Bowl rings. The name "Commanders" feels corporate to some. It feels like a startup. But the NFL is a business of the present. When you search for the old name, Google's algorithms are smart enough to know what you mean, but the results will all say "Commanders."
The legal battles and the pressure from sponsors like FedEx and Nike eventually made the change inevitable. While the name is gone from the jerseys, the burgundy and gold remains. That’s the connective tissue. Whether you’re calling them the Skins or the Manders, the passion in the DMV area hasn't flickered.
Impact of Time Zones on the Washington Fanbase
Washington has one of the most geographically diverse fanbases in the country. Military families move. DC transplants go back home. This makes the "what time" question a bit of a math problem.
If you’re a fan living in Los Angeles, a 1:00 PM ET kickoff is a 10:00 AM start. That’s breakfast football. It’s a totally different vibe. You’re eating eggs and toast while watching a defensive struggle. Meanwhile, the fans at the stadium are already two beers deep and yelling at the refs.
On the flip side, European fans—and there are plenty in London and Germany—have it rough. A Sunday Night Football game starting at 8:20 PM ET doesn't kick off until 1:20 AM or 2:20 AM in most of Europe. That is true dedication.
Preparing for Game Day in the DMV
If you are actually going to the game, the "kickoff time" is the last thing you should worry about. The real time you need to know is when the parking lots open. Usually, that’s four to five hours before the game.
Northwest Stadium isn't exactly known for its easy access. Traffic on I-495 or the Landover area can be a nightmare. If the game is at 1:00 PM, and you aren't in the vicinity by 10:30 AM, you're going to be sprinting to your seat during the first possession.
Check the weather, too. Late October in Maryland can be 75 degrees or 40 degrees and raining. The time of day matters for the sun's position. If you’re sitting on the East Side of the stadium during a 1:00 PM game, the sun is going to be right in your eyes for the first half. Bring shades.
Summary of Key Broadcast Windows
Since the NFL schedule is a moving target, here is a breakdown of the typical windows you'll see for Washington:
- Early Sunday Window (1:00 PM ET): The bread and butter. Most division games against the Eagles or Cowboys start here.
- Late Sunday Window (4:05/4:25 PM ET): Usually reserved for high-profile matchups or West Coast road trips.
- Primetime (8:15/8:20 PM ET): Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights. This is where the world is watching.
- International Games: If Washington is slated for a London or Munich game, get ready for a 9:30 AM ET kickoff. It’s weird, but fun.
Practical Steps for Fans
To ensure you never miss a snap, take these three actions right now:
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- Sync your digital calendar: Go to the Commanders' official website and look for the "Sync Schedule" button. It will add every game to your Google or Apple calendar and automatically update if the time changes.
- Set a "Flex" Alert: Follow beat reporters like John Keim or Ben Standig on social media. They usually break the news of a time change before the official NFL notifications hit your phone.
- Download the Team App: Enable push notifications for "Game Start" and "Score Updates." Even if you're stuck at a wedding or a grocery store, your pocket will buzz when the game starts.
The transition from the old name to the new hasn't been perfectly smooth, but the schedule remains the rhythm of the city. Whether you're checking the time for a bit of nostalgia or looking forward to the future of the franchise, staying on top of the kickoff is the first step to a successful Sunday. Check your local listings, verify the time zone, and get the wings ready.