So, you’re looking for the next time Jayden Daniels and the crew hit the grass. I get it. The 2025 season just wrapped up with a bit of a bittersweet 5-12 finish, and honestly, after that Week 18 win over the Eagles, fans are already itching for the next chapter. If you are asking when is the washington commanders next game, the short answer is that the competitive lights won't turn back on until the 2026 NFL Preseason in August.
Since Washington missed the 2026 playoffs—which are currently kicking off for the lucky teams like the Seahawks and Bears—the Commanders are officially in "wait until next year" mode. No more games for the 2025-26 cycle. It’s draft prep time. It's roster-building time. It's basically the longest wait of the year for any football fan.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Opener
Usually, the NFL doesn't drop the official calendar with exact dates and kickoff times until mid-May. We call it "Schedule Release Day," and it’s basically a national holiday for sports bettors and travel planners. Even though we don't have the "when" yet, we absolutely know the "who" and the "where."
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The NFL uses a rotating formula, so the mystery is already gone. Because the Commanders finished third in the NFC East, they’ve got a specific slate of opponents lined up that looks... well, actually pretty tough.
Who Will the Commanders Play in 2026?
When the next game finally rolls around in September 2026, it could be against any of these teams. The NFL loves a good storyline, so don't be surprised if they open with a divisional rival or a big-time homecoming.
Home Games at Northwest Stadium:
The Commanders will host nine games in Landover this coming season. You’ve got the usual suspects like the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles. But the big ones? The Houston Texans are coming to town for the first time since 2018. That’s C.J. Stroud vs. Jayden Daniels—a matchup that’s basically a dream for any fan who loves young, dynamic quarterbacks. They’ll also host the Rams, Seahawks, Colts, Bengals, and Falcons.
Road Games on the 2026 Schedule:
Traveling won't be easy. The Commanders have to head out west to face the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals. They’ve also got dates in Minnesota, Jacksonville, and Tennessee, along with the standard three road games in the NFC East.
Why the Next Game Matters More Than Usual
The 5-12 record from the season that just ended doesn't really tell the whole story. Honestly, the vibe in D.C. has changed. With David Blough recently hired as the new offensive coordinator (as of January 9, 2026), the focus is entirely on maximizing Jayden Daniels’ rookie-to-sophomore leap.
The "next game" isn't just a date on a calendar; it’s the debut of whatever version of the team Dan Quinn and the front office build through the 2026 Draft. Since they finished with five wins, they’re looking at a solid draft position—likely picking in the top 10. That means a high-impact rookie will probably be starting in that first game in September.
How to Catch the Action
When the 2026 season officially starts, you’ll be hunting for the right channel. Most games will land on FOX or CBS for those Sunday afternoon slots. If Washington lands a primetime spot (maybe against the Cowboys or Bengals?), you’ll be looking at ESPN for Monday Night Football or Amazon Prime for those Thursday night matchups.
If you are an out-of-market fan, YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket is still the go-to, though it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Local fans can usually get away with a simple digital antenna for the over-the-air broadcasts.
What to Do While You Wait
Since there are no more games for several months, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Track the Draft: The 2026 NFL Draft is where the roster gets its makeover. Keep an eye on the Commanders' first-round pick.
- Watch the Playoffs: Even though Washington isn't in it, watching the NFC East rivals (like the Eagles) navigate the postseason can give you a good idea of the mountain the Commanders have to climb next year.
- Free Agency: March is when the big signings happen. If the Commanders land a big-name protector for Daniels, the "next game" starts looking a lot more winnable.
The 2026 season schedule will likely be officially announced in May 2026. Until then, keep an eye on the roster moves and the scouting reports. The road to the 2026 season opener starts now.