The 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be released next week, and fans are speculating on the ideal Week 1 opponent for the Buffalo Bills. Many are considering factors like the potential for a strong start versus a challenging matchup.
Key points
2026 NFL schedule release expected next week
Fans speculate on ideal Week 1 opponent for the Bills
Chicago Bears suggested as a top opponent
Factors include start likelihood and challenge level
Opening game marks Joe Brady's coaching debut
Mentioned in this story
Josh AllenJoe BradyCaleb Williams
Buffalo BillsChicago Bears
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills waves to fans after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills waves to fans after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sounds like we might get the 2026 NFL schedule released at its normal, mid-May date, sometime next week, instead of having to wait another seven days leading into Memorial Day weekend.
Which got me thinking (you’re going to read that sentence from me a lot here)… who is your ideal opponent for the Bills in Week 1? Do you want an “easy” opponent? Would you like a primetime challenge for Josh Allen and Co. Everyone wants the start of the regular season at the new Highmark Stadium, right?
And what exactly are you factoring in your decision?
Do you want the strongest likelihood of a 1-0 start for the Bills? Or are you more of the belief that a litmus test early is a good thing — and gets a “difficult” opponent out of the way? Is it better to “catch” a high-caliber team before it figures things out?
I have a clear favorite — the Chicago Bears at 4:25pm. Now, I don’t necessarily care *when* the game is, which is it’s own layer, which I can explain. I’m fortunate enough to go to Bills home games, and I vividly recall the team not hosting a primetime game for 15 years, which frankly, was humiliating for Buffalo. I completely understand the automatic urge for fans that sparks the simple equation of “big game = primetime.”
Yet, I’m a morning person and a huge sleep advocate… therefore, I’m rarely *mad* when the Bills aren’t playing Sunday, Monday, or Thursday night. I now adore the Sunday at 1pm games that once felt like the perpetual norm I despised.
But I digress (on the time front).
I want a major barometer game, in the new stadium, in Joe Brady’s first contest as Buffalo’s head coach, as the typically scorchingly hot early September sun begins to set — which always makes for a tremendous aesthetic, check the Rose Bowl.
And of course, this game would emphatically check many storyline boxes. Two divisional-round playoff teams from a season ago. Two quarterbacks who’ll draw a monster audience.
The Bears are going to be good. I do think it could take time in individual games and throughout the season for Caleb Williams’ skills to sharpen, even in Year 2 operating Ben Johnson’s offense. I think, in time too, Chicago’s defense can be really stingy, but it’s a unit that’ll feature many new and young pieces, including one of my enormous draft crushes, safety Dillon Thieneman, the Bears’ first-round pick.
I envision this as a high-flying game with an abundance of deep-shots, splash plays, improvisational brilliance from both quarterbacks — just a whole lotta fun.
I want a blast of an opening game inside the new Highmark Stadium, the start of Year 9 of the Josh Allen era, and Brady’s head-coaching debut in Orchard Park.
Q&A
When will the 2026 NFL schedule be released?
The 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be released in mid-May, likely next week.
Who is the ideal Week 1 opponent for the Buffalo Bills?
Many fans suggest the Chicago Bears as the ideal Week 1 opponent for the Bills.
What factors should be considered for the Bills' Week 1 opponent?
Factors include the likelihood of a 1-0 start versus facing a challenging opponent early in the season.
What is significant about the Bills' opening game in 2026?
The opening game will mark the debut of new head coach Joe Brady and the start of Year 9 for quarterback Josh Allen.
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