NFL 2026 Schedule Release Highlights

The NFL released the complete schedule for all 32 teams ahead of the 2026 regular season on May 14, 2026. Notable matchups include a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Week 1, and a record nine international games throughout the season.

The season will commence with the Dallas Cowboys facing the New York Giants on "Sunday Night Football." Additionally, the Detroit Lions are aiming for a return to the playoffs, while the Baltimore Ravens will begin their first season without John Harbaugh on the sidelines in 19 years under new head coach Jesse Minter.

The Chicago Bears showcased their creativity with a schedule release video featuring wide receiver Rome Odunze painting their 2026 opponents while channeling Bob Ross. The Kansas City Chiefs, on their path back to postseason play, are facing a challenging schedule, which is analyzed by Jesse Newell.

Key games for the Dallas Cowboys include a Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, a Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers, and a Week 13 clash with the Seattle Seahawks. The Las Vegas Raiders highlighted their new quarterback duo, veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, in a humorous schedule release video referencing the film "Step Brothers."

The New York Jets' schedule includes a visit to Las Vegas to face Mendoza's Raiders and games against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Furthermore, the Tennessee Titans will take on the New York Jets in Week 1, where head coach Robert Saleh will face his former team, creating an interesting narrative for the opener.

The upcoming season is particularly rich in rematches, featuring games that replicate the playoff matchups from the previous year. Among these are the NFC Championship rematch between the Seahawks and Rams, the AFC Championship rematch where the Broncos face the Patriots, and both the Super Bowl rematch and several Wild Card rematches.

There will be a variety of primetime matchups, including the Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots start the "Sunday Night Football" slate on Week 1.

With the full NFL schedule now available, analysts and fans alike can begin to speculate on potential playoff teams and division winners as the 2026 season approaches.