Commanders vs Cowboys: Week 2 Preview, USA TV Schedule and How to Watch NFL 2026

The Washington Commanders visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 20, in a Week 2 NFC East matchup during the 2026 NFL season. Dallas will host its first home game of the campaign at AT&T Stadium.

Both teams enter the divisional matchup with 0-1 records. Washington lost 24-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, while Dallas fell 28-20 to the New York Giants.

Washington Commanders

Washington opened the season with a narrow loss to Philadelphia. Jayden Daniels completed 22 of 34 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while adding 55 rushing yards.

The Commanders produced 295 total yards and held the ball for 33:20 in their opener. Washington will look for a stronger offensive start after scoring only eight points in the first half against the Eagles.

The game also brings Dan Quinn back to Dallas as Washington's head coach. Quinn previously served as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2023.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas opened the season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants. Dak Prescott completed 25 of 37 passes for 251 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Cowboys produced 244 total yards in Week 1. CeeDee Lamb was one of Prescott's primary targets, finishing with seven receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas will also look to improve defensively after allowing the Giants to control significant portions of the opener. The matchup against Washington is the Cowboys' first home game of the 2026 season.

Players and key factors

Jayden Daniels is one of the main players to watch because of his ability to create plays both as a passer and runner. Terry McLaurin also remains an important part of Washington's passing attack.

For Dallas, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb lead the offense. The Cowboys' ability to protect Prescott and sustain drives will be an important part of the matchup against Washington's defense.

Injuries and player status

Washington will be without linebacker Frankie Luvu, who is out with a groin injury, and tight end Chig Okonkwo, who is out with a hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is questionable with a back injury.

Dallas will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown because of a hamstring injury and safety Malik Hooker because of a forearm injury. Offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius and linebacker James Houston have no game-status designation.

Rivalry history

Commanders and Cowboys meet again in one of the NFC East's long-running rivalries. The matchup also brings Dan Quinn back to face his former team after three seasons as Dallas' defensive coordinator.

Since Quinn became Washington's head coach in 2024, the Commanders have faced Dallas four times, winning once and losing three times.