The Washington Commanders have had a rough start to the 2026 NFL season, entering Monday night's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at 1-3-1. Last week's tie with the New York Giants felt like more of a loss after the Commanders squandered a 14-point fourth-quarter lead, and let the clock expire in overtime without attempting a game-winning field goal. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned from an elbow injury, throwing for 199 yards and rushing for 103 yards along with two rushing scores.
But Washington now faces one of the last undefeated teams standing, with San Francisco rolling right now behind Brock Purdy. A win over the 49ers would provide the Commanders with a much-needed boost heading into Week 7. Unfortunately, a loss would see Washington make NFL history for all the wrong reasons.
If they lose to the 49ers on Monday night, the Commanders would become part of the first NFL division since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to go winless in consecutive weeks when all four teams played a game, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. More news: Chargers’ Justin Herbert Hit With Brutal Reality Check Right Before Chiefs Game The NFL East has been one of the league's most disappointing divisions so far this season. The Giants remain in first place at 3-2-1, but their 34-27 loss to the Saints on Sunday exposed some serious problems.
New York blew an early 10-0 lead and still has questions at quarterback, while Cam Skattebo was effectively benched after his costly fumble in Week 5. The Eagles, meanwhile, have fallen to 2-4 after losing to Carolina, with quarterback Jalen Hurts on injured reserve because of a blood clot in his calf. And Dallas has also fallen to 2-4 after their 23-13 loss to Green Bay on Sunday night, a game in which Dak Prescott went 34 for 54 (63%) and threw two interceptions.
This all comes after the NFC East went 0-2-2 in Week 5, with the Cowboys and Eagles losing and the Commanders and Giants tying. The division has already gone 0-3 this week, and if Washington loses as well, all four teams will have gone without a victory in both weeks. More news: 49ers Star Trent Williams Delivers Savage Admission About Commanders More news: Chiefs Predicted to Make Blockbuster Trade for Star Receiver Washington is last place in the division, and their only win came in a 33-31 nail-biter against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, a game Daniels missed.
With Daniels back in the lineup, it gives the Commanders a good chance to rebound, but the 49ers have one of the best defenses in the league, allowing the fourth-fewest points (18.6 per game) and total yards (297.2 per game).
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