The Washington Commanders are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, set to take place at Northwest Stadium on August 14, 2026. This highly anticipated match-up will be a showcase of the team's progress and the battle for key positions. With a focus on the quarterback position, the Commanders will likely feature Marcus Mariota, while the Dolphins will be looking to showcase their talent. The game will be broadcast on WUSA (CBS/9 - Washington) with Dan Hellie on play-by-play, John Riggins and Brian Mitchell as analysts, and Brian Colbert Jr. on the sidelines. Additionally, Sirius XM NFL will provide coverage for Miami fans, with broadcasts available on XM/SXM 382 and Internet 819, and Washington fans on XM/SXM 226 and Internet 821. The FanDuel Odds are in favor of the Commanders, with a +3.5 spread and an over/under of 36.5. The prediction leans towards a Commanders victory, with a final score of 20-11.
The Commanders' training camp has been a hotbed of activity, with several notable battles and injuries. One of the most significant setbacks was the injury to Laremy Tunsil, who suffered a torn triceps, ending the competition for the starting left guard position between Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman. This move forced a shift in strategy, with Coleman moving back to left tackle. Another blow came with the calf strain suffered by Nick Allegretti, which has kept him out of most practices and preseason games. However, the injury to John Bates has provided an opportunity for Colson Yankoff to step up and make plays, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and develop talent.
The game against the Dolphins will be a crucial test for the Commanders, especially with the battle for the quarterback position. Jayden Daniels is expected to sit out, allowing Marcus Mariota to take the reins. The competition for the third quarterback spot between Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will be a key storyline. Additionally, the game will feature several new names on the team, all vying for a roster spot. The Commanders' preseason schedule continues with a trip to Detroit in Week 2 and a showdown with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, providing further opportunities for players to make their mark.
In my opinion, the Commanders' performance against the Dolphins will be a strong indicator of their potential this season. The team's ability to adapt to injuries and develop depth is impressive, and the quarterback competition is a fascinating aspect of their training camp. The game against the Dolphins will be a crucial step in the right direction, and I'm eager to see how the team performs under the lights at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders' regular season schedule is also intriguing, with a challenging mix of opponents, and I'm excited to see how they navigate the challenges ahead.
