In the Spotlight: Washington Commanders Look to Rebound in 2026

The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 season looking for a major rebound after slipping to 5-12 and third place in the NFC East in 2025. Washington’s hopes again center on quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose availability will be critical after injuries disrupted his second NFL season. Washington has reshaped portions of the roster while retaining Dan Quinn as head coach. The defense received considerable attention during the offseason, but injuries have already complicated those plans. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps, while Johnny Newton, Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson have also dealt with injuries during the preseason.

What to Watch

Daniels remains the biggest factor in Washington’s outlook. When healthy, his combination of passing and rushing gives the Commanders a dynamic option at quarterback. Washington will need him to stay on the field after a difficult 2025 campaign and adjust to changes within the offense. The supporting cast includes Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs at receiver, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains another offensive player to watch. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota returned on a one-year deal but suffered a sprained MCL in the preseason opener. The injury is expected to keep him out for the rest of the preseason, although Washington expects him back for Week 1. The defense may be the larger question. Washington added players including Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson and Nick Cross, but preseason injuries have tested the team’s depth. Rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs has emerged as another intriguing player after showing versatility during camp and the preseason.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks aren’t projecting Washington as one of the NFC’s leading contenders. DraftKings listed the Commanders at +460 to win the NFC East, behind Philadelphia and Dallas, while Washington was +3000 to win the NFC and +6000 to win the Super Bowl. The regular-season win total is 7.5, with Over -125 and Under +105. That means bettors are being asked whether a healthy Daniels and the offseason roster changes can produce at least three more victories than Washington managed last season.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 5-12, third in NFC East.
• Key players to watch: Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Mike Sainristil, Johnny Newton, Odafe Oweh and Nick Cross.
• Expected starting QB: Jayden Daniels.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Marcus Mariota, Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Nick Cross and other additions aimed at improving Washington’s depth. Rookie Joshua Josephs is also competing for a defensive role.
• Betting odds to win NFC East: +460 at DraftKings.
• Betting odds to win NFC: +3000.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +6000.
• Win totals over/under: 7.5 wins; Over -125, Under +105.

2026-27 Washington Commanders Schedule

Washington opens with consecutive NFC East road games against Philadelphia and Dallas before returning home against Seattle. The schedule also includes a London game against Indianapolis and four primetime appearances.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	Philadelphia Eagles	Away
2	Sept. 20	Dallas Cowboys	Away
3	Sept. 27	Seattle Seahawks	Home
4	Oct. 4	Indianapolis Colts	London
5	Oct. 11	New York Giants	Home
6	Oct. 19	San Francisco 49ers	Away
7	—	BYE	—
8	Nov. 1	Philadelphia Eagles	Home
9	Nov. 8	Los Angeles Rams	Home
10	Nov. 12	New York Giants	Away
11	Nov. 23	Cincinnati Bengals	Home
12	Nov. 29	Arizona Cardinals	Away
13	Dec. 6	Tennessee Titans	Away
14	Dec. 13	Houston Texans	Home
15	Dec. 20	Atlanta Falcons	Home
16	Dec. 26 or 27	Minnesota Vikings	Away
17	Jan. 2 or 3	Jacksonville Jaguars	Away
18	TBD	Dallas Cowboys	Home

The complete schedule is based on Washington’s official 2026 release; late-season dates remain subject to NFL scheduling. Washington enters 2026 as a potential bounce-back team rather than an established contender. If Daniels stays healthy and the revamped defense withstands its early injury problems, surpassing the 7.5-win line and getting back into the NFC playoff race are realistic targets.