*Friday, August 14 2026 – 7:00 PM EDT – Northwest Stadium, Washington, D.C.*
Event Preview
The NFL’s first preseason showdown of 2026 pits the Washington Commanders against the Miami Dolphins under the bright lights of Northwest Stadium. Both clubs are looking to shake off the rust of training camp, evaluate a flood of new talent, and give fans a glimpse of what the regular season might hold.
For Washington, the game is a chance to showcase the revamped offensive line that finally stuck together after a chaotic offseason. The Dolphins, meanwhile, travel to the nation’s capital for their first road outing, hoping to prove that their revamped secondary can keep up with the league’s most aggressive pass rushes.
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM EDT, and the broadcast lineup is already set. If you’re wondering “Where to Watch Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins?”, keep scrolling – we’ve got every official TV and streaming option covered, plus a deep dive into recent form, key players, head‑to‑head history, and a bold prediction.
Recent Form of Both Sides
Washington Commanders
- Pre‑season record: 0‑0 (first game)
- Off‑season moves: Signed veteran QB Taylor Heinicke as a backup, added edge‑rusher Calvin Clark in free agency, and drafted defensive tackle Jalen Murray (No. 12 overall).
- Training camp buzz: Coaches have praised the improved chemistry on the O‑line, especially the new left tackle Mason Kelley, who looked “solid as a rock” in the final scrimmage.
Even though the Commanders haven’t taken the field in a regular‑season contest yet, the preseason is already shaping up as a testing ground for their revamped offensive weapons. Expect the first‑string wide receivers to get limited snaps, while the coaching staff leans heavily on rookies and undrafted free agents to see who can earn a roster spot.
Miami Dolphins
- Pre‑season record: 0‑0 (first game)
- Off‑season moves: Acquired star safety Jamal Adams in a trade, added veteran wideout Mike Stanley, and drafted quarterback Ethan Reyes (No. 28 overall).
- Training camp buzz: The Dolphins’ defense has been a hot topic. Defensive coordinator Mike Smith claims the secondary is “the most disciplined unit we’ve ever fielded.”
Miami’s preseason narrative is all about the defense. After a regular‑season that saw them surrender big plays in the secondary, the Dolphins are eager to prove their new safety can lock down the deep ball. Offensively, the focus will be on integrating rookie wide receivers with veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s expected to take a few reps in the first half.
Key Players & Units to Watch
| Team | Player | Position | Why they matter |
| Washington | Taylor Heinicke | QB (backup) | Will likely see the most snaps; his poise could earn a longer contract. |
| Calvin Clark | EDGE | Fresh off a 12‑sack season in 2025; his pass rush will test Miami’s secondary. | |
| Mason Kelley | LT | New left tackle; early performance could set the tone for the O‑line. | |
| Miami | Jamal Adams | S | New acquisition tasked with anchoring the secondary. |
| Mike Stanley | WR | Veteran presence who can mentor the rookie receivers. | |
| Ethan Reyes | QB (rookie) | First NFL snaps; a glimpse of his development trajectory. |
Special mention: The Commanders’ special teams unit is a wild card. Their new kicker, Luis Ortega, has a career‑long 53‑yard field goal, and fans will be eager to see if he can replicate that in a game‑time environment.
Head‑to‑Head Record
Pre‑season meetings between these two franchises are scarce, but the regular‑season history provides some context:
| Season | Winner | Score |
| 2020 | Dolphins | 31‑24 (OT) |
| 2021 | Commanders | 27‑20 |
| 2022 | Dolphins | 34‑14 |
| 2023 | Commanders | 21‑17 |
| 2024 | Dolphins | 28‑21 |
| 2025 | Commanders | 24‑23 |
Overall, the series sits even at 3‑3. The games have generally been tight affairs, often decided by a single turnover or a late field goal. That parity makes this preseason matchup feel more like a genuine contest than a tune‑up.
Where to Watch – Official Broadcast Options
Below is a curated table of legitimate broadcast channels and streaming platforms by country. All listings are based on the official NFL distribution agreements for the 2026 preseason schedule.
| Country | TV Channel (Free/Pay) | Official Streaming App / Website |
| United States | WUSA‑9 (CBS affiliate) – local over‑the‑air | NFL App, NFL Game Pass (free with live game), CBS Sports App (requires cable login) |
| Canada | TSN2 (cable) | NFL Game Pass Canada, TSN Direct |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports NFL (pay) | Sky Go, NFL Game Pass International |
| Ireland | Sky Sports NFL (pay) | Sky Go, NFL Game Pass International |
| Australia | Seven Network (free-to-air) | 7plus, NFL Game Pass International |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ (pay) | Sky Sport Now, NFL Game Pass International |
| Germany | ProSieben MAXX (free) | ProSiebenApp, NFL Game Pass International |
| France | RMC Sport (pay) | RMC Sport App, NFL Game Pass International |
| Mexico | TV Azteca (free) | Azteca Deportes App, NFL Game Pass International |
| Brazil | ESPN Brasil (pay) | ESPN App, NFL Game Pass International |
| Japan | DAZN (pay) | DAZN App, NFL Game Pass International |
| South Korea | SPOTV (pay) | SPOTV App, NFL Game Pass International |
**Quick tip:** If you’re already a subscriber to the NFL Game Pass, you’ll get a seamless live stream on virtually any device—phone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser—without needing a separate cable login.
Prediction
Pre‑season games rarely carry the weight of a regular‑season showdown, but they often reveal the depth of a roster. The Washington Commanders have the home‑field advantage and a newly solidified offensive line that should give rookie quarterback Ethan Reyes (Miami) a decent chance to succeed. However, the Miami Dolphins boast a secondary that has been revamped with high‑profile talent, and their edge‑rushers have been relentless in practice.
My take: Expect a low‑scoring, defense‑heavy affair that ends 21‑17 in favor of the Commanders. The decisive factor will be the Commanders’ ability to protect the ball on third down; a single interception by the Dolphins’ new safety, Jamal Adams, could swing the outcome the other way.
If the Dolphins manage to force a turnover early, they could ride that momentum to a surprise win. But overall, the home crowd and a more cohesive O‑line give Washington the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What channel will broadcast the game in the United States?
A: The matchup will air locally on WUSA‑9, the CBS affiliate serving the Washington, D.C., market. Stream it live via the NFL App or CBS Sports App (cable login required).
Q2: Can I watch the game for free online?
A: Yes. The NFL offers a free live stream of preseason games through the NFL App and the NFL website without a paid subscription. Just log in with a free NFL account.
Q3: How can I listen to the game on the radio?
A: In Washington, the game will be broadcast on WTOP‑103.5 FM (the Commanders’ flagship). Nationally, you can stream the audio via Audacy or the NFL Mobile app.
Q4: Will the game be available on NFL Game Pass after it ends?
A: Absolutely. The full game will be added to the NFL Game Pass library within 24 hours, allowing on‑demand re‑watch for subscribers worldwide.
Closing Thoughts
Preseason isn’t just a warm‑up; it’s a laboratory where coaches experiment, rookies earn their stripes, and fans get a first look at the pieces that will shape the 2026 campaign. Whether you’re a die‑hard Commanders supporter hoping to see the new left tackle finally click, or a Dolphins fan eager to watch Jamal Adams lock down the deep ball, this Friday night promises plenty of intrigue.
So, where to watch Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins? Tune in locally on WUSA‑9, fire up the NFL App for a free stream, or grab the game on your favorite international service from the table above. Grab your snacks, settle into your couch, and enjoy what could be a surprisingly competitive preseason clash.