This Commanders' game could be one of the NFL's best in 2026

No Washington Commanders' fan will soon forget Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. Why would that week be so ingrained in the minds of Washington fans?

On that day, the 1-1 Commanders were on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite Cincinnati being 0-2, the Bengals were the heavy favorites. After all, Washington was coming off a 4-13 season, had a new coaching staff and a rookie quarterback.

Then, the game happened. The Commanders controlled the game from the start. When the first quarter ended, the game was tied 7-7. Washington took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back, shocking Cincinnati 38-33.

That was the NFL breakout game for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who outdueled fellow former LSU Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow for the win. Daniels set an NFL rookie record by completing over 91% of his passes. For the day, he finished 21 of 23 with 254 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also added 39 yards and a rushing touchdown. Burrow was outstanding, too, passing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, but that day belonged to Daniels.

Now, these two teams will meet again in 2026. In fact, Washington and Cincinnati will again meet on Monday Night Football. Can you blame the NFL for making this another prime-time game? The Commanders will host the Bengals in Week 11 at Northwest Stadium.

While this game is probably an afterthought for some NFL analysts, not for Kay Adams. On Friday's edition of "Up & Adams," she named her top five games of 2026 and Washington vs. Cincinnati came in at No. 4.

"Highly anticipated, Bengals at Commanders," Adams said. "Joe Burrow up against Jayden Daniels. If you need a reminder of what happened, you're looking at it. Monday Night Football, 2024: These two guys combined for over 600 yards of offense and 71 points. Both of these squads will be better."