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2026 opponent preview series: Week 1 Eagles, Week 2 Cowboys, Week 3 Seahawks, Week 4 Colts, Week 5 Giants, Week 6 49ers, Week 9 Rams, Week 11 Bengals. In 2026, the Commanders will, like every other NFL team, play 17 games against 14 opponents. Given the substantial roster turnover that teams undergo each year, along with the unusually high number of head coach and coordinator changes in 2026, it seems useful to take time to review each of Washington’s regular-season foes.
In Week 12, Washington begins a stretch of six games in which five opponents are ranked in the lower half of ESPN’s preseason Power Index. The Cardinals, at No. 29, are the lowest-ranked opponent on that index that the Commanders will face in 2026. By Week 12, Arizona will have already played five games against three teams ranked in the top five (Rams twice; Seahawks twice, and 49ers), as well as the Lions (No. 6) and Chiefs (No. 9). They would have to exceed expectations to enter this game with a winning record or a realistic playoff outlook.
While Washington faces six games against top-10 teams in the first eight weeks, the quality of opponents relaxes notably midseason, whereas Arizona must still contend with the 49ers (again) and the Eagles in the final five games. From this vantage point in early July, this trip to Arizona carries the potential to serve as a “get-right” game for the Commanders if they are contending with a sub-.500 start to the season.
Date: November 29, 2026, 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
The Cardinals finished the 2025 regular season 3–14, last in the NFC West, and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. After opening the year with wins in Weeks 1 and 2, the team lost 14 of its final 15 games, including a nine-game skid to end the schedule. Their defense struggled during the second half, yielding 37 or more points in six of those final nine games. In the aftermath, the front office fired head coach Jonathan Gannon and parting ways with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Expectations for 2026 are modest under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Most national outlets project the franchise to win four or fewer games as they enter another rebuild. The schedule features a challenging opening stretch, with six of the first nine games on the road and five against 2025 playoff teams. With veteran Jacoby Brissett expected to run the offense, external expectations primarily center on evaluating young roster talent rather than pursuing a postseason, underscoring a longer-term plan.