2026 NFL schedule: Who are the Commanders' 7 toughest opponents?

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the Commanders' seven toughest opponents in 2026.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Commanders face the Eagles twice a year, every year. Over the last 10 years, the Eagles have missed the playoffs only twice, both times under former head coach Doug Pederson. Under Nick Sirianni, they've lost in the wild card round three times and made it to the Super Bowl twice, winning the whole thing in 2024. During that same 10-year time period, the Commanders and Eagles have faced off 21 times, including the playoffs, with the Commanders winning 14 times.

Last year, the Commanders and Eagles split the season 1-1, with both teams winning on the road. The Commanders have much more to prove in 2026 than the Eagles do, but that doesn't mean the Eagles are going to overlook a division rival. Both times these teams meet in 2026 could prove to be an epic showdown. Jayden Daniels vs. Jalen Hurts. Saquon Barkley vs. Commanders' newly revamped defense. The introduction of Makai Lemon (Eagles) and Antonio Williams. Dan Quinn's desperation to win vs. Nick Sirianni's desire to stay off the hot seat.

Divisional games are almost always entertaining, but beating the Eagles will not be any easier in 2026 than it has been in the past. It's always going to be a tough game.

Dallas Cowboys

Another division rivalry, the Cowboys-Commanders meetings are usually full of tension and nail-biting. Over the last 10 years, the Cowboys have made the playoffs five times, never advancing past the divisional round. The Cowboys are usually in the mix at the end of the season, but they really haven't been a major player in the NFL since the mid-90s.

In their last 10 meetings, the Commanders defeated the Cowboys only twice, and the Dallas roster saw some serious upgrades and changes this offseason. They drafted Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and three edge rushers, plus signed veteran free agents for depth and rotational value. It's not the same roster this year, and with Brian Schottenheimer entering his second season as head coach, the Cowboys will look improved.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks seem to be a problem for a lot of teams. Since Mike Holmgren was hired as head coach in 1999, the Seahawks have missed the playoffs only 10 times. Mike Macdonald led the team to the Super Bowl in his second season, 2025, and they won. Whatever system they have running in their administration, the trickle-down effect is in full force with this team. The entire organization is on the same page at all times, seemingly regardless of who is coaching or who is on the field. That's not going to be different in 2026, and the Seahawks have won three of their last five meetings, including a 38-14 blowout win in Week 9 last season.

Los Angeles Rams

Since Sean McVay took over as head coach of the Rams in 2017, the team has been on a tear. They are consistently among the top-ranked teams and perform at the top of their game from week to week. This is another team the Commanders see only every so often, having won three of their last five meetings. The Rams have won the past two meetings against the Commanders under McVay. Los Angeles has one of the NFL's best rosters from top to bottom, including a revamped secondary.

San Francisco 49ers

The hardest part about this game for the Commanders is that it's about as far away as you can get from their home turf and still be in the United States. The 49ers' residence in Northern California means a long flight for the Commanders at some point. This team tends to either lead its division or sit at the bottom, with little in between, under Kyle Shanahan, and they've made the playoffs in five of the last nine seasons, with two Super Bowl appearances and two conference championship appearances.

The 49ers have won three of the last five meetings with the Commanders, and they'll be out to prove they still belong in discussions about teams at the top of the league.

Houston Texans

This is an intriguing game for several reasons. First, it pits newly signed rookie linebacker Sonny Styles against former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud. It's been a few years since they've seen each other on opposite sides of the ball, and Stroud hasn't faced Styles as a linebacker yet. Also, the Texans haven't missed the playoffs since DeMeco Ryans was named head coach in 2023, a period that coincides with the team's drafting of Stroud. The Commanders host the Texans this season, too, which will give them a confidence boost. Houston boasts perhaps the AFC's best defense, led by edge rusher Will Anderson.

The two teams have met a total of six times, and the series is split. The Texans are trying to prove they belong in the elite conversations, and it will be difficult to beat them, even at home.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are another team that can be hit or miss. It largely depends on how healthy Trevor Lawrence is, but when he's healthy and his support system is healthy, they are a formidable opponent. But when they aren't, they can be easy to pick apart. Without knowing exactly when this game is, we have to assume that everyone will be healthy and performing to the best of their ability. And, in that case, the Jags have weapons like Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and former Commanders' running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.

In Liam Coen's first season, the Jags lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Both Doug Marrone and Doug Pederson made the playoffs in their first season as head coaches of the Jags, too. That said, the Jaguars are not a team to be overlooked. They are the team that can ruin your entire season if a team looks past them. This is an away game for the Commanders, and it won't be an easy one.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders 2026 NFL schedule: 7 toughest opponents