Commanders’ MNF loss to 49ers brings historic embarrassment to NFC East

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The Washington Commanders‘ 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football did more than deepen their early-season struggles. It completed one of the most embarrassing stretches in NFC East history. According to league data highlighted by Ari Meirov of MySportsUpdate, the division became the first since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to go winless in consecutive weeks when every team played. Across Weeks 5 and 6, the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Commanders combined for an astonishing 0-7-1 record. Washington’s defeat sealed that unwanted milestone.

The NFC East is the first division since the 1970 merger to go winless in back-to-back weeks with every team playing. pic.twitter.com/G2ZBiRoblG

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2026

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The Commanders mounted a second-half rally behind Jayden Daniels. He helped produce two touchdowns. However, they could not complete the comeback in Santa Clara. They were just unable to establish a consistent ground game. Washington also had mounting injuries, including a devastating knee injury to top receiver Terry McLaurin. The result dropped Washington to 1-4-1 and left the entire division searching for answers. This division’s collective collapse has become an uncomfortable midseason storyline.

Washington’s broader 2026 campaign has been equally frustrating. After opening with consecutive divisional losses to Philadelphia and Dallas, the Commanders earned their lone victory in a Week 3 shootout against Seattle. They subsequently lost to Indianapolis. The Commanders then settled for an overtime tie against the Giants, and they fell to the unbeaten 49ers. Daniels has continued to display poise and playmaking ability. That said, inconsistent protection, injuries, and defensive breakdowns have undermined the team’s progress. The upcoming Week 7 bye offers Washington a chance to regroup and address glaring weaknesses. Yet the NFC East’s historic two-week skid makes clear that the Commanders are not alone in their struggles. For now, the entire division has plenty of work to do before it can reclaim its competitive reputation.

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