The Washington Commanders are already generating buzz for the 2026 season, with two potential prime-time matchups on the horizon. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that saw them fall from NFC Championship contenders to a 5-12 record, the team is poised for a rebound—and the NFL is taking notice.
Last season, the Commanders played five prime-time games, riding high on the momentum of a 12-5 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was the face of that resurgence. But injuries plagued his second season, and the team struggled to meet sky-high expectations.
Fast forward to 2026: Daniels is healthy, and his star power is only growing. He's set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series "Quarterback," premiering in July, further cementing his status as one of the league's most marketable and electrifying players. The NFL knows that when Daniels is under center, ratings soar—and that translates to more prime-time slots.
The full 2026 schedule drops Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET, but leaks are already trickling in. Here's what we know so far:
Week 4: London Calling
The Commanders will face the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a standalone international game—a prime opportunity to showcase Daniels on a global stage.
Week 8: Sunday Night Football Showdown
According to the @NerdingonNFL account, Washington will host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Week 8 Sunday Night Football clash on November 1. An Eagles-Commanders prime-time matchup? That's a rivalry that writes itself, with both teams boasting explosive offenses and passionate fan bases.
Week 10: Thursday Night Football in New York
Art Stapleton of The Record and NorthJersey.com reports that the New York Giants will host the Commanders on Thursday Night Football on November 12. The Giants are expected to have four prime-time games this season, and this NFC East battle is a natural fit for a national audience.
While these leaks aren't official, they come from reliable sources. With three games already revealed—two in prime time and one standalone international contest—the Commanders are clearly back in the NFL's spotlight. Whether you're gearing up for a London trip or planning your game-day fit for those big NFC East clashes, one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are must-see TV in 2026.