The NFL's 2026 schedule may not guarantee every team a prime-time game, leading to calls for more exposure for certain franchises. Five teams, including the New England Patriots, are highlighted as deserving more national spotlight.
Key points
NFL's prime-time schedule is not guaranteed for all teams
Imbalance exists between popular and lesser-known franchises
Five teams are proposed for more prime-time exposure
New England Patriots are among the highlighted teams
2026 schedule release is anticipated soon
New England PatriotsDallas CowboysKansas City Chiefs
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Much to television networks' and streamers' chagrin, the NFL's prime-time schedule can't be built out of Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs games alone.
Still, the league is entering its fourth year with no guarantee for every team to receive at least one prime-time game on its schedule, and the imbalance between the most formidable franchises and the lesser brands has only widened in that time. And with the 2026 schedule release still expected in the near future, the uneven landscape should remain in place as early verdicts are rendered for each franchise.
With schedule-makers left to guess how New England's Year 1 resurgence under Mike Vrabel might take form, the Patriots only received an initial allotment of three prime-time games last season − the same number given to the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants and Chicago Bears. Safe to say a boost is coming in 2026.
Even independent of the Vrabel controversy that has loomed over the franchise this offseason, the defending AFC champions should compel plenty of people to tune in whenever they play. NFL MVP runner-up is one of the league's most prolific deep throwers, and there should be widespread interest in how the offense rebounds from its Super Bowl 60 unraveling. And if the long-awaited trade materializes after June 1, the wide receiver's acclimation into the league's No. 2 scoring attack will be one of the most compelling early-season storylines.
Q&A
Which NFL teams are suggested for more prime-time games in 2026?
The article highlights five franchises, including the New England Patriots, as deserving more prime-time games in the 2026 schedule.
Why are some NFL teams not getting enough prime-time games?
The imbalance in prime-time scheduling is due to a focus on more popular franchises like the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, leaving lesser-known teams with fewer opportunities.
What impact does the prime-time game schedule have on NFL teams?
Prime-time games can significantly enhance a team's visibility, fan engagement, and revenue, making it crucial for franchises to secure these slots.
When will the NFL announce the 2026 schedule?
The exact date for the NFL's 2026 schedule release is not specified, but it is expected to be announced in the near future.
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And New England has plenty of matchups more than worthy of a significant spotlight. The Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks should be one of the most highly rated regular-season contests. Another tilt with the Denver Broncos should also prove far more entertaining than the sloppy AFC Championship Game was. Matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears offer up excellent quarterback showdowns. Meanwhile, the rivalry with the Buffalo Bills has turned into one of the league's best and most consequential divisional games. Expect the league to push the Patriots early and often in the prime-time slate.
Chicago Bears
From a network's perspective, the Bears have plenty going for them: Caleb Williams' captivating off-schedule plays, an offense that scores in droves and a novelty factor for a massive brand that's had new life breathed into it. Now, the league could be set to go all in on Chicago after hedging somewhat with three prime-time games in 2025.
What makes the Bears even more attractive for standalone windows is the abundance of intriguing matchups. None of the NFC North grudge matches would be out of place in an evening slot, but the clashes with the Packers seem particularly appealing given the thrills that the rivalry produced last year. The road trip to face the Seahawks seems like a strong candidate for the season opener, and the schedule will also include meetings with the Bills and Eagles. Don't be surprised if the Bears are topped by only the Cowboys and Chiefs in their prime-time tally.
Far from a mainstream draw, the Jaguars have frequently had to settle for their London dates as their most reliable opportunity to capture a wider national audience. After getting just one prime-time slot last year, however, Jacksonville should reap the rewards of its nine-win improvement with a substantially larger share of the spotlight this fall.
While the two meetings with the Houston Texans might not seem like a ratings winner, the AFC South tilt should be a compelling matchup at least deserving consideration for "Thursday Night Football." Jacksonville could also be paired with typical Sunday and Monday night fixtures, such as the Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers, Giants and Broncos. No matter which games are chosen, Jaguars fans probably will need to get accustomed to staying up late rather than merely getting up early.
The NFL has treated Carolina as little more than an afterthought for marquee matchups this decade, giving them just six in the last six years. Perhaps this is the year for a breakthrough.
The Panthers are coming off an NFC South title and an end to a franchise-record playoff drought. With all eight division winners from 2024 having received at least four prime-time appointments last season, it seems like Carolina is due for a bump in visibility.
A first-place schedule will bring plenty of challenges for the Panthers while also opening lots of broadcast opportunities. A brutal home slate includes the Bears, Lions, Bengals, Ravens, Seahawks and Broncos. Meanwhile, the road schedule features the Eagles, whom the Panthers outbid to land marquee free agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
The last-place finisher in the league's most lackluster division might seem like an odd candidate for this list. New Orleans, however, has plenty going for it after last year being held out of the prime-time lineup for the first time since 2000.
Going from 5-12 in 2024 to 6-11 last year might not seem like sufficient cause for more consideration in prized broadcast windows. But the Saints have already made significant strides. Chief among them: The quarterback outlook has gone from shaky to stirring, with ascendant second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough proving himself capable of making impressive throws on the move. With running back Travis Etienne Jr. and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson providing the supporting cast with sorely needed big-play potential, Kellen Moore's offense could make waves in Year 2.
Yet there aren't necessarily many matchups on the slate that scream must-see TV. Maybe one of the NFC South rivalry games would suffice as "Thursday Night Football" fodder. And there are a couple of fun clashes of young quarterbacks with Shough taking on the Giants' Jaxson Dart and Raiders' Fernando Mendoza − depending on when the No. 1 pick takes the starting reins. Regardless, New Orleans deserves better than being blanked for a second year in a row.
