The Commanders vs Dolphins Preseason opener kicks off Washington’s 2026 exhibition slate tonight at Northwest Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know before kickoff.
Gameday Info
Matchup: Miami Dolphins (0-0) at Washington Commanders (0-0)
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 — 7:00 PM ET
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
The Matchup
Don’t expect to see much of Washington’s usual starters tonight. Jayden Daniels isn’t expected to play, leaving Marcus Mariota to run the first-team offense, with Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis competing for the QB3 job.
Miami is breaking in a new era after a full teardown — new head coach Jeff Hafley, and Malik Willis taking the first snaps at quarterback following Miami’s split from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason.
The line movement here is worth watching. This game opened with Washington favored by roughly a point and a half and has swung more than four points toward Miami since — a notable shift for a preseason opener.
TV
- Washington market: WUSA9 (CBS affiliate)
- Miami market: CBS Miami (WFOR-TV)
- Broadcast team: Dan Hellie (play-by-play), Brian Mitchell and John Riggins (analysts), Bryan Colbert Jr. (sideline)
- Streaming: NFL+
2026 Record
Both teams enter tonight at 0-0, opening their preseason schedules. Straight-up and against-the-spread records aren’t yet applicable this early — this section will track both marks as the season develops.
Head-to-Head History
Washington and Miami have met 17 times all-time, including two playoff games. The Commanders trail the all-time series 6-11 (5-10 in the regular season, 1-1 in the playoffs — including a win in Super Bowl XVII).
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Dec 3, 2023 | Dolphins 45, Commanders 15 |
| Oct 13, 2019 | Redskins 17, Dolphins 16 |
| Sep 13, 2015 | Dolphins 17, Redskins 10 |
| Nov 13, 2011 | Dolphins 20, Redskins 9 |
| Sep 9, 2007 | Redskins 16, Dolphins 13 |
Injury Report
Commanders
- Laremy Tunsil (T) — torn triceps, out long-term
- Nick Allegretti (C) — calf strain, missed most of camp, not expected to play tonight
- Trey Amos (CB) — has not returned to practice, questionable for tonight
- John Bates (TE) — hamstring
Dolphins
- Clelin Ferrell (DE) — out several weeks
- JuJu Brents (CB) — not practicing this week, considered short-term
- Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR) — unlikely to play this week
- Dante Trader Jr. (S) — unlikely to play this week
- Ben Sims (TE) — unlikely to play this week
Betting Odds
As of this writing: Dolphins -3 (some books as high as -3.5), Over/Under 36.5, Moneyline Dolphins -164 / Commanders +138. Preseason lines move fast and vary by sportsbook — treat this as a snapshot, not gospel.
Weather
The joint practices for these two teams saw temperatures in the low 90s, but it will be closer to mid-to high 80s with a chance of light rain on Friday night.