Washington Commanders 2025-26 NFL Schedule

The Washington Commanders enter the 2025-26 NFL season with renewed optimism, whether through a revamped roster, new coaching staff, or emerging young stars.

1. Overview of the 2025-26 NFL Season Structure

Before diving into Washington’s specific schedule, let’s review the NFL’s general structure:

• Preseason (August 2025): 3 exhibition games (reduced from 4)

• Regular Season (September 2025 – January 2026): 17 games (9 home, 8 away or vice versa)

• Bye Week: One mid-season break

• Playoffs (January – February 2026): If the Commanders qualify, they’ll compete in the NFC playoffs

Key Dates for the 2025-26 Season

2. Commanders’ 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule Breakdown

The Commanders will play 17 games, including 6 divisional matchups (vs. Eagles, Cowboys, Giants x2) and games against the AFC and NFC rotating divisions. Below are the most anticipated games.

A. Season Opener & Early Season Highlights

• September 7, 2025 – vs. Dallas Cowboys (Home)

  • A heated NFC East rivalry to start the season.

  • Potential prime-time (Sunday/Monday Night Football) slot.

• September 14, 2025 – at Philadelphia Eagles

  • Early road test against another division rival.

• September 21, 2025 – vs. Chicago Bears

  • Could feature a showdown between young QBs (Caleb Williams vs. Washington’s QB).

B. Prime-Time & National TV Games

The Commanders could land 3-5 nationally televised games if they’re competitive:

• Monday Night Football: Likely vs. Cowboys or Giants

• Thursday Night Football (Amazon): Mid-season divisional game

• Thanksgiving Day? Possible if Dallas hosts them.

C. Divisional Rivalry Games (NFC East)

1. vs. Dallas Cowboys (2 games)

   • Always must-watch, especially if playoff implications arise.

   • Dates: Week 1 (Home), Week 12 (Away)

2. vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2 games)

   • Tough battles against Hurts & Co.

   • Dates: Week 2 (Away), Week 15 (Home)

3. vs. New York Giants (2 games)

   • Historic rivalry renewed.

   • Dates: Week 6 (Home), Week 17 (Away)

D. Key Non-Divisional Matchups

• vs. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North opponent)

  • “Battle of the Beltway” – Lamar Jackson vs. Washington’s defense.

• vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow showdown)

• vs. San Francisco 49ers (Playoff rematch potential)

• vs. Green Bay Packers (Historic franchise clash)

E. International Game Possibility

The NFL may schedule Washington for an international game (London, Germany, or Mexico). Potential opponents:

• Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

• Carolina Panthers (Germany)

F. Tough Stretches & Critical Late-Season Games

• November 2025 Gauntlet:

  • Could feature Eagles, Cowboys, Ravens in consecutive weeks.

• December Playoff Push:

  • Games against Giants, Seahawks, Eagles could decide wild-card chances.

• Regular Season Finale (Jan. 4, 2026):

  • Likely vs. an NFC East rival (Cowboys or Giants).

3. Playoff Implications & Season Outlook

The Commanders’ playoff hopes will depend on:

• Divisional Record (must go at least 3-3 vs. NFC East)

• Key AFC Matchups (tiebreakers matter)

• Late-Season Health & Momentum

If they’re in contention by December, these games will be crucial:
✅ Week 15 vs. Eagles
✅ Week 17 at Giants
✅ Week 18 vs. TBD (flex scheduling possible)

4. Final Thoughts: Commanders’ 2025-26 Schedule Outlook

The 2025-26 Washington Commanders schedule features:
🔥 Rivalry games vs. Cowboys, Eagles, Giants
📺 Prime-time spotlight opportunities
🌍 Possible international game
⚔️ Season-defining stretches in November/December