The Washington Commanders now have their full 2026 schedule mapped out, and it doesn't offer much mercy.

The Full Schedule

• Week 1: Sept. 13 @ Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 2: Sept. 20 @ Dallas Cowboys
• Week 3: Sept. 27 vs. Seattle Seahawks
• Week 4: Oct. 4 vs. Indianapolis Colts (in London)
• Week 5: Oct. 11 at New York Giants
• Week 6: Oct. 19 @ San Francisco 49ers (Monday)
• Week 7: Bye
• Week 8: Nov. 1 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 9: Nov. 8 vs. Los Angeles Rams
• Week 10: Nov. 12 vs. New York Giants (Thursday)
• Week 11: Nov. 23 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Monday)
• Week 12: Nov. 29 @ Arizona Cardinals
• Week 13: Dec. 6 @ Tennessee Titans
• Week 14: Dec. 13 vs. Houston Texans
• Week 15: Dec. 20 vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Week 16: Dec. 27 @ Minnesota Vikings
• Week 17: Jan. 3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 18: TBD vs. Dallas Cowboys

Expert Prediction: 6-11 Record

Despite the return of healthy quarterback Jayden Daniels, analyst Ralph Vacchiano predicts Washington will finish with a 6-11 record and struggle to compete in the NFC East.

"The Washington Commanders are counting on the healthy return of Jayden Daniels to vault them into contention, but even that could be tough unless the complete rebuild of their league-worst defense actually works. They face six of the top 11 offensive teams from last season, plus two more teams (Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals) that could be in the top 10 this year. In fact, outside of road trips to Arizona and Tennessee, they don't face anyone who doesn't have a legit shot at the playoffs in 2026. Daniels' return will surely give them a boost, but they are plugging in so many new pieces, including two new coordinators, that they might need time to figure it all out. But this schedule really doesn't give them any breaks."

Betting Odds Tell the Story

FanDuel Sportsbook projects the Commanders will win 7.5 games in 2026. Their Super Bowl odds sit at +5000, while playoff odds rest at +194.

Offseason Overhaul

Head coach Dan Quinn prioritized defense, adding pass rusher Odafe Oweh and selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick.

On offense, new coordinator David Blough brought in tight end Chig Okonkwo and running back Rachaad White. The draft also yielded Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in the third round and Penn State running back Kaytron Allen in the sixth.

Mixed Reviews on Offseason Work

Vacchiano ranked the Commanders at No. 23 in his post-draft power rankings, questioning whether the team addressed its biggest needs.

"Dan Quinn fell in love with Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, and that's great. But what this team needed most was offensive playmakers. They got Clemson WR Antonio Williams in the third, but they needed more, plus more help on the offensive line."

Draft analyst Rob Rang gave Washington a C grade, though he identified potential stars in Styles and Williams.

"Washington found a future star at linebacker in Sonny Styles and one of my favorite wideouts in Antonio Williams."