The NFL has unveiled its full schedule for the 2026 season, highlighting nine must-watch primetime games. Fans can now look forward to exciting matchups featuring the league's best teams.
Key points
NFL released its full 2026 schedule
Nine must-watch primetime games highlighted
Challenges include scheduling restrictions and network bids
Fans and teams can now plan for the season
NFL
The NFL has released its full 2026 schedule, and fans, media members, and all 32 teams can now begin their deep dive into the regular season.
One of the biggest challenges for schedule makers is setting the primetime slate. The league wants to showcase its best teams while navigating a long list of scheduling restrictions and network bidding wars.
The NFL has assembled a loaded lineup of primetime matchups for the 2026 season. Here are the nine biggest games to watch:
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks, Week 1 — Wednesday Night
The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will open their title defense with a Super Bowl rematch. If Drake Maye and the Patriots offense struggled against Seattle in the Super Bowl, facing that crowd in Seattle could prove even tougher.
Still, don’t count out New England. The Patriots will carry plenty of motivation after their lopsided loss in Super Bowl LX, and they would love nothing more than to spoil Seattle’s banner night.
The NFL could not have asked for a better way to open the season.
Could this be a Super Bowl preview? A Monday night showdown in Los Angeles certainly feels like one. The last time the Bills visited the Rams, Buffalo fell in a 44-42 thriller in 2024.
Q&A
What are the top primetime games in the 2026 NFL schedule?
The 2026 NFL schedule features nine must-watch primetime games showcasing the league's best teams.
How does the NFL decide on its primetime game schedule?
The NFL schedule makers aim to highlight top teams while managing scheduling restrictions and network bidding wars.
When was the 2026 NFL schedule released?
The full 2026 NFL schedule was released recently, allowing fans and teams to plan for the upcoming season.
Where can I watch the 2026 NFL primetime games?
The primetime games will be broadcast on various networks, details of which will be provided closer to the season.
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Now both teams enter the season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. The game could also become an early MVP statement opportunity for Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, Week 16 — Christmas Night
The Bills return to Denver for a divisional rematch after falling short there in controversial fashion last season.
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This time, Buffalo will try to play the Grinch and steal Christmas in Mile High. Denver, meanwhile, will look to defend its home field and deliver a holiday win to Broncos fans.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 17 — Thursday Night
AFC North football rarely disappoints, especially when Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson share the field.
This late-season matchup could decide the division crown, adding even more intensity to what already feels destined to become another primetime classic.
The Bills are once again receiving heavy primetime exposure, and for good reason. Buffalo remains one of the AFC’s top contenders, but the Chiefs have consistently stood in the way.
Kansas City will travel to Buffalo’s new stadium for a matchup that could carry major playoff implications. Make sure to save room after Thanksgiving dinner, because this one should be worth staying up for.
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos, Week 3 — Sunday Night
In an alternate Championship Sunday universe, the Rams slow down Seattle’s offense and Sean Payton makes different decisions against New England, setting up a Rams-Broncos Super Bowl.
Instead, fans get a fascinating “what if” matchup in primetime. It may even preview a future Super Bowl showdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 10 — Sunday Night
This matchup may fly under the radar, but it has all the ingredients for a shootout. The last primetime meeting between these teams featured Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco trading big plays.
Joe Burrow should once again light up the scoreboard alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh as expected, this game could become another memorable AFC North battle.
The John Harbaugh era in New York begins with a rivalry matchup against the Cowboys, who would love to derail the Giants’ momentum from the start.
Dallas invested heavily in its defense this offseason, while New York upgraded its skill-position talent. An early-season fireworks show in the Big Apple would not be surprising.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 15 — Monday Night
The NFL’s two most recent dynasties meet once again, with Drake Maye leading a new era in New England after reaching the Super Bowl in just his second season.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will enter this matchup with far more urgency than they had a year ago. Expect massive playoff implications when these teams meet under the lights.
