12 of the most underrated games on the 2026 NFL schedule

Q: What are the most underrated games in the 2026 NFL schedule?

The article highlights several matchups that are expected to deliver exciting gameplay and involve teams vying for playoff positioning.

Q: Which teams are considered to be on the rise in the 2026 NFL season?

The article mentions teams that have been quietly performing well and are expected to be competitive in the upcoming season.

Q: How many games are in the 2026 NFL regular season?

The 2026 NFL regular season consists of 17 games, making each matchup significant for playoff implications.

Q: Why are some NFL games considered 'sneaky good'?

Games are labeled 'sneaky good' when they feature teams that may not be in the spotlight but possess talent and potential for exciting contests.

There are games that grab the eye as soon as one sees them on the NFL schedule. Then there are those that are sneaky good, even great. This exercise will look at some of the matchups in the 2026 NFL regular season that will deliver big. The teams may be on the rise or they may quietly have been playing solid football. Expect some of these to be stellar contests because the teams have a lot of talent and should be playing for important playoff positioning. Remember, when there are 17 games in a season every one of them can make a big difference.

There are games that grab the eye as soon as one sees them on the NFL schedule. Then there are those that are sneaky good, even great.

This exercise will look at some of the matchups in the 2026 NFL regular season that will deliver big. The teams may be on the rise or they may quietly have been playing solid football.

Expect some of these to be stellar contests because the teams have a lot of talent and should be playing for important playoff positioning. Remember, when there are 17 games in a season every one of them can make a big difference.

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans, Sept. 13

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles.

Joe Brady and his offense will go up against the ferocious defense of the Texans in a wonderful matchup to open the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots, Sept. 20

A New England Patriots cheeleader during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium.

Mike McCarthy and his Steelers will head to Foxboro to face the team that represented the AFC in the Super Bowl. All the chaos around Mike Vrabel will be pushed to the side when these classic franchises meet.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos, Sept. 20

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) hits Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High.

The teams combined to go 27-7 last year in the regular season and each won its respective division. That sets up a powerhouse matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 8

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform a dance routine in light-up outfits.

What is more exciting than a Dallas Cowboys game on a Thursday night? Whether they are playing well or poorly, Dallas generates interest like few other franchises. It doesn't hurt either that Tampa Bay could make it exciting.

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 18

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) in action against the San Francisco 49ers.

Will the Panthers continue to grow? Will the Eagles maintain their dominance and find a way to get back on top of the NFL? This is the kind of game that will tell a lot about both teams.

Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, Nov. 1

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

The Battle of Los Angeles.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens, Nov. 5

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) wipes his face as he walks off the field after Sunday night's loss to the Ravens

The Ravens disappointed immensely last year. Now, under Jesse Minter, what kind of team will they be? A threat in the AFC North or another season of struggles. Either way, the Jaguars figure to be a nice test.

New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears, Nov. 22

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) dives for a first down against the Chicago Bears.

Not about to say the Saints will be so improved they can menace. However, the Bears are a team that has to prove last year was not a fluke due to a kind schedule. This is one of the games where the NFC North team needs to take care of business.

Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers, Nov. 27

Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints and head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers meet after the Saints beat the Packers 26-17 at Lambeau Field on October 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Broncos go to Pittsburgh for a Black Friday game. Will the Mike McCarthy's Steeler defense knock the stuffing out of Sean Payton's team. A lot of eyes will be on this one.

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers, Dec. 17

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy hands off to running back Christian McCaffrey (23) against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Chargers get a stiff test from a team in the best division in football. The 49ers have precious little wiggle room because of how strong the Rams and Seahawks are. Stakes figure to be high here.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 31

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44).

Nice way to close the year with AFC North rivals battling in a game that could have a lot of say in the divisional race ... or maybe not.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers, TBD

Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Okay, okay, but maybe this one will have a role in determining the NFC South. It never seems to take much for that to him toward the end of the season in this division.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: 12 underrated games on 2026 NFL schedule