SANTA CLARA, CA — The undefeated San Francisco 49ers will look to continue their perfect start to the 2026 NFL season when they host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football at Levi's Stadium.
San Francisco enters the Week 6 matchup with a 5-0 record following a 32-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Washington, meanwhile, is looking to turn its season around after starting 1-3-1, including a 27-27 tie against the New York Giants in Week 5.
How to watch:
- Matchup: Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- TV: ESPN and ABC
- Streaming: ESPN app with eligible access and NFL+ on supported mobile devices
- Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporters)
The 49ers have established themselves as one of the NFL's top teams through the first five weeks, averaging 30.8 points per game, the third-highest mark in the league entering Monday.
Purdy has thrown for 1,196 yards and 13 touchdowns against two interceptions while completing 69% of his passes. His production has helped San Francisco remain undefeated despite injuries to several key players.
Running back Christian McCaffrey has also played an important role in the 49ers' offense, rushing for 286 yards and five touchdowns. McCaffrey enters Monday having scored a touchdown in four consecutive games.
San Francisco's defense has also been one of the main factors in the team's strong start. The 49ers forced four turnovers and recorded five sacks in their victory over Seattle, helping secure a three-point win over their NFC West rival.
However, the 49ers will be without several players Monday, including defensive end Nick Bosa, who has been ruled out with a calf injury, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk are listed as questionable with rib and Achilles injuries and a calf injury, respectively.
Washington enters the matchup looking to rebound from a disappointing finish against the Giants.
The Commanders played New York to a 27-27 tie in Week 5 after failing to get off a potential game-winning field goal attempt before time expired in overtime.
Daniels rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns in the game but was involved in the late-game clock management mistake that prevented Washington from attempting the kick.
Washington has averaged 23 points per game this season, ranking 18th in the NFL entering Monday's matchup. The Commanders have also struggled defensively, carrying a minus-34 point differential into Week 6.
Washington will be without leading rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has been ruled out with a groin injury. Croskey-Merritt leads the team with 239 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
His absence could create additional opportunities for veteran running backs Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White as Washington attempts to establish its running game against San Francisco.
The Commanders will also be without backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, defensive end Charles Omenihu and linebacker Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is questionable with a hamstring injury, adding another concern for Washington's offense.
Washington holds a 3-10-1 all-time road record against San Francisco and is 1-4 against the 49ers in Monday games.
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