The Washington Commanders are kicking off the 2026 NFL season on a major rollercoaster. After a huge 12-5 season back in 2024, they fell hard last year, losing 12 games total. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, their No. 2 overall pick, only played seven of those games, which definitely hurt. Now, Week 1 is here and it looks like the schedule makers aren’t pulling any punches, with the Commanders staring down a road game against a consistently winning team.
Commanders Face an Uphill Battle Against the Eagles
Talk about a tough start! The Commanders are hitting the road as 5.5-point underdogs against the Philadelphia Eagles. You can see why the oddsmakers aren’t giving Washington much love. Philly went 11-6 last year, marking their fourth straight season with double-digit wins. That’s some serious consistency, and it tells you everything about the kind of challenge the Commanders are up against. This isn’t just a Week 1 game, it’s a statement game for a Washington team trying to turn things around after a brutal 2025 season. Catch this NFC East showdown kicking off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
NFC East Showdowns Kick Off the Season
The NFC East drama doesn’t stop there. Sunday wraps up with another division clash: the New York Giants hosting the Dallas Cowboys. Both these teams were on the losing side of the ledger last year, but there’s serious offensive potential for a turnaround season for both squads. The Giants, especially, have a fresh start with new head coach John Harbaugh at the helm. Will that make an immediate difference? The Cowboys are heading into MetLife as 3-point favorites. If you’re looking at the total points, the Over/Under is set at 47.5. And here’s a wild trend for you: the Over has hit in Dallas’ last seven road games. That’s a pattern you can’t ignore when looking at the scoreboard potential in this one.
Boost Your Bankroll for Week 1 Action
Week 1 NFL action always brings tons of betting options. Whether you’re into picking game winners, betting the spread, hitting the Over/Under on total points, or digging into player and game props, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking to jump in, there are some killer promos out there. New users can grab $200 in bonus bets after just a $5 wager with the DraftKings promo code. FanDuel is offering $350 in bonus bets for NFL games. Plus, you can use the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets, or check out the bet365 bonus code. These sign-up bonuses are a sweet way to give your bankroll a serious boost right out of the gate.
What’s at Stake for Week 1?
Week 1 always sets the tone. These early matchups, especially within the division, could have a significant impact on the final standings later in the season. For teams like the Commanders and Giants, it’s about showing they’ve turned a corner. For the Eagles and Cowboys, it’s about asserting dominance early. For us fans, it’s the start of another wild ride, and every single game feels like it matters. Get ready, because the 2026 season is officially here, and it’s already heating up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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