Excitement is building as the NFL prepares to release the 2026 schedule. And as is always the case at this time of year, the leaks have been frequent.
And for the Washington Commanders, rumors suggest that head coach Dan Quinn is getting an early chance to make a significant statement.
Nothing much went right for the Commanders last season, but everyone has turned the page. Washington was expected to go deep into the postseason, and that will once again be the standard despite falling flat on its face. That all starts by laying the correct foundations over the summer before hitting the ground running in Week 1.
The regular-season opener is always a highly anticipated affair. But according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, next season will be even more significant.
Commanders reportedly begin 2026 with a road trip to Philadelphia
Schultz revealed that the Commanders will make the testing trip to Lincoln Financial Field for a divisional clash against the Philadelphia Eagles to begin their 2026 exploits. It's supposedly in the late window at 4.25 p.m. Eastern Time, and there are sure to be plenty of eyes on the contest to see where both teams stand right out of the gate.
It will be an all-NFC East affair to start proceedings, with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys also locking horns in Week 1. The division is expected to be much more competitive next season, so this will be an early opportunity for Quinn's squad to lay down a marker.
Whether they can or not is another matter.
The Eagles remain formidable, but the cracks began to show last season. Several key contributors left in free agency, and all signs point to wide receiver A.J. Brown being traded after June 1. They will be strong. But make no mistake; they are vulnerable.
The Commanders have several unknowns, too.
General manager Adam Peters revamped their roster, adding more dynamism and youth. Whether they've done enough to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with the firepower needed is anyone's guess, but there will be no bedding-in period with the Eagles up first on the schedule.
If the Commanders can come away from the intimidating Philadelphia atmosphere with a win, it'll provide the best possible platform to build on. It's not the end of the world if they don't, but Washington knows that all the pressure will be on the Eagles to get their home slate off to an imposing start.
The stakes were already high for the Commanders. But with the Eagles on deck to begin their road to redemption, they just got even bigger.
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