The 2026 NFL schedule release has sparked excitement among fans, followers, and pundits alike, as they eagerly anticipate the must-watch games for each team. From reunions and rematches to revenge games and renewed rivalries, the Athletic's NFL beat writers have picked the most intriguing matchups for all 32 teams. Let's dive into the top games that will captivate audiences and provide a deeper analysis of their significance.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos, Week 7
The Cardinals' schedule presents an early challenge, with four of six games on the road. Their home games against Seattle and Detroit won't be easy, and the Week 7 matchup against the Broncos could be a pivotal moment for first-year coach Mike LaFleur. With the Carson Beck Watch in full effect, the Cardinals will need to assess their third-round pick's potential, especially if they find themselves struggling in the NFC West. This game could be a turning point for the team and a chance to see what Beck is made of.
Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns, Week 14
The Falcons' trip to Cleveland in Week 14 promises an intriguing dynamic. Former coach Kevin Stefanski, who led the Browns to a 45-56 record in six seasons, returns to his former team. This game will be an emotional journey for Stefanski, who might face boos or cheers from the Dawg Pound. The Browns' fans will be eager to see how their former coach fares against his former team, creating a fascinating atmosphere.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 10
This game features a prominent storyline with Jesse Minter facing his former team. However, the rivalry between the Chargers and Ravens goes deeper, as Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh will be motivated to beat the Ravens after their abrupt firing of his brother in January. The Chargers' roster and front office are laden with Ravens ties, adding fuel to the fire. This 'Monday Night Football' matchup will showcase two teams built in similar fashions, making it a highly anticipated event.
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 12
The Bills and Chiefs' rivalry takes center stage in Week 12, with the Bills seeking revenge for their previous postseason defeats. Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL and LCL in the previous season prevented a late-season surge for the Chiefs, but they remain the Bills' bugaboo. This game will be a showcase of the NFL's superlative quarterback duel between Allen and Mahomes, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 11
The Panthers host the Ravens, who haven't visited Charlotte in eight years. Lamar Jackson, then a rookie, played behind Joe Flacco in the Panthers' 36-21 win. This game will be a reunion of sorts, as Jackson returns to the city where he made his mark. The Ravens' absence from Charlotte for so long adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers, Week 16
The Bears and Packers' rivalry is renewed with three down-to-the-wire classics last season. This game, scheduled for Christmas Day, will have a lot at stake. The Bears won the previous two meetings at Soldier Field, and a playoff clash saw them overcome a 21-3 deficit. The Packers will be eager to reclaim their dominance in this series, making it a highly anticipated showdown.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 17
The Bengals' home game against the Ravens on New Year's Eve is a highly anticipated primetime affair. Bengals fans have been begging for a primetime home game against Baltimore after four consecutive years on the road. This game will be a crucial contest for the division title between two AFC North favorites, adding to its significance.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 4
The Browns and Steelers' historic rivalry takes center stage in Week 4, with new coaches on each side. This game will be a national showcase and a chance for both teams to gain temporary positioning in a potentially crowded divisional race. The Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, will look to emulate the Broncos' success under Sean Payton, while the Browns, led by Todd Monken, aim to establish their own identity.
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks, Week 13
The Cowboys' trip to Seattle in Week 13 is a highly anticipated matchup. DeMarcus Lawrence's first game against his old team adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Seahawks have been a measuring stick for the Cowboys, and this game could be a key moment in Dallas' quest for a successful season. The Cowboys' victory in Week 6 of the 2014 season was a pivotal moment, and this game might hold similar significance.
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots, Week 17
The Broncos' rematch of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium is a must-watch. The Broncos lost 10-7 to the Patriots in the conference title game, and this game will be a chance to settle the score. With Bo Nix under center, the Broncos will look to prove their worth against the Patriots, who are believed to have unfinished business against them. This primetime matchup could have major playoff implications.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, Week 18
The Lions' trip to Lambeau Field in Week 18 could decide the NFC North. This early-January game, with a sold-out crowd, has the potential to be an excellent matchup. The Lions, led by Dan Campbell, will aim to reclaim their dominance in this series, while the Packers, under Matt LaFleur, will be eager to prove their resilience. The division is on the line, making this a highly anticipated showdown.
Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 15
The Packers' clash with the Dolphins in Week 15 is a reunion of sorts. Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins' coach, and Malik Willis, their quarterback, both rose to prominence with the Packers. Willis will command the spotlight in his first full season as a starting quarterback, and he should be well-received at Lambeau Field. This game will be a fascinating reunion of former teammates and coaches.
Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 1
The Texans' Week 1 matchup against the Bills will be a great measuring stick for their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, will test the Texans' defense, and Stroud will aim to showcase his progress in Year 2 of the offense. This game will be a crucial indicator of the Texans' potential as a contender.
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 2
The Colts' 'Sunday Night Football' game against the Chiefs is a chance for Indianapolis to make an early-season statement. With Daniel Jones healthy and outperforming Patrick Mahomes, the Colts will look to prove that their 8-2 start last year wasn't a fluke. This game could be a pivotal moment in the Colts' season and a chance for Jones to gain league-wide recognition.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears, Week 13
The Jaguars' trip to Chicago in Week 13 could be a big December game. Both teams, led by Liam Coen and Ben Johnson, have shown impressive offensive minds in their first year on the job. This game will be a showcase of their talents and a chance for the Jaguars to make a statement in the AFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Week 12
The Chiefs and Bills' rivalry takes center stage in Week 12, with the Bills seeking revenge for their postseason defeats. Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL and LCL prevented a late-season surge for the Chiefs, but they remain a formidable force. This game will be a showcase of the NFL's superlative quarterback duel and a highly anticipated event for Bills fans.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 4
The Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs is a crucial game for both teams. With Patrick Mahomes' status in question due to his ACL and LCL injury, the Raiders will look to capitalize on any potential weakness. A win could be an early step toward turning the franchise around, making this game a highly anticipated event.
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens, Week 10
The Chargers' trip to Baltimore in Week 10 is a mentor vs. protege showdown. Jesse Minter, the Ravens' head coach, spent two seasons as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. This game will be a fascinating encounter between former colleagues, with Minter aiming to outsmart his former team. The Ravens' defense, led by Chris O'Leary, will face a familiar challenge, adding to the intrigue.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, Week 16
The Rams' return to Seattle in Week 16 is a highly anticipated event. The previous two trips were memorable, with the first featuring a controversial two-point conversion and the second being the NFC Championship Game. The Rams, led by Sean McVay, will aim to take down the reigning champions, making this game a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers, Week 15
The Dolphins' trip to Green Bay in Week 15 is a reunion of sorts. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley, and quarterback Malik Willis all joined forces in Miami this offseason. They will return to Green Bay, where they rose to prominence. Willis will command the spotlight in his first full season, and he should be well-received at Lambeau Field. This game will be a fascinating reunion of former teammates and coaches.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 9
The Vikings' 'Monday Night Football' matchup against the Bills in Week 9 promises an entertaining clash. Justin Jefferson and Josh Allen, two of the NFL's biggest stars, will go head-to-head in one of the league's best venues for theater. The Bills, led by Allen, will aim to slow down the Vikings' defense, while the Vikings, under Kevin O'Connell, will look to exploit any weaknesses. This game has the makings of another classic.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 15
The Patriots' trip to Kansas City in Week 15 is a highly anticipated 'Monday Night Football' game. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have been the standard of AFC success for the last seven years. The Patriots, under Bill Belichick, appear to be back on top after winning the conference a year ago. This game will be a fascinating matchup in primetime, with the league intrigued by the potential showdown.
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, Week 4
The Saints' 'Monday Night Football' appearance in Week 4 is an attempt to recognize the 20-year anniversary of the Domecoming following Hurricane Katrina. This game will be a chance to celebrate the city's resilience and a barometer of where the Saints stand after a challenging start to the season. The Falcons, led by Arthur Smith, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Saints' defense.
New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts, Week 12
The Giants' trip to Indianapolis in Week 12 is a highly anticipated event. Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a resurgent 2025 season with the Colts, returns to face his former team. This game will be a showcase of Jones' talents and a chance for the Giants to make a statement. The Colts, led by Frank Reich, will aim to protect their home turf.
New York Jets vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Week 8
The Jets' Week 8 matchup against the Raiders is a highly anticipated event. With the possibility of No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza starting over Kirk Cousins, the Jets will get a look at a player they could've drafted. Geno Smith, seeking redemption after his lone season in Las Vegas, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Raiders' defense. This game will be a crucial indicator of the Jets' potential.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks, Week 15
The Eagles' clash with the Seahawks in Week 15 is a highly anticipated event. The Super Bowl LIX and LX champions will go head-to-head, providing a barometer check for both teams. The Eagles, led by Nick Sirianni, will aim to reclaim their dominance in this series, while the Seahawks, under Pete Carroll, will look to prove their resilience. This game will be a showcase of talent and a chance for both teams to make a statement.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos, Week 12
The Steelers' 'Black Friday' matchup against the Broncos in Week 12 is a highly anticipated event. The Broncos, led by Sean Payton, have found success in their second act, and the Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, will look to emulate their success. This game will be a blueprint for the Steelers' potential, as they aim to reach their ceiling early in McCarthy's tenure.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 17
The 49ers' trip to Philadelphia in Week 17 is a highly anticipated event. The 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, will aim to reclaim their dominance in this series, while the Eagles, under Nick Sirianni, will look to prove their resilience. This game will be a showcase of talent and a chance for both teams to make a statement in the playoff race.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears, Week 8
The Seahawks' 'Monday Night Football' matchup against the Bears in Week 8 promises an entertaining clash. The Bears, led by Matt Eberflus, have shown impressive resilience, while the Seahawks, under Pete Carroll, will aim to exploit any weaknesses. This game could be a barn burner under the Monday night lights, with both teams looking to make a statement.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions, Week 11
The Buccaneers' trip to Detroit in Week 11 is a highly anticipated event. The Lions, led by Dan Campbell, have been a measuring stick for the Bucs in recent years. The Bucs, under Todd Bowles, will aim to tilt the rivalry by signing former Lions, while the Lions will look to reclaim their dominance. This game will be a crucial indicator of the Buccaneers' potential.
Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 17
The Titans' 'Monday Night Football' matchup against the Steelers in Week 17 is a highly anticipated event. This game will be historic, as it will be the final game in Nissan Stadium before its new, indoor version opens in 2027. The Steelers, led by Mike Tomlin, will aim to put an embarrassing spin on the sendoff, while the Titans, under Mike Vrabel, will look to make a statement.
Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Week 11
The Commanders' 'Monday Night Football' matchup against the Bengals in Week 11 is a highly anticipated event. Jayden Daniels, the Commanders' young quarterback, will look to build on his 'Monday Night Football' win over the Bengals two years ago. This game will be a chance for the Commanders to make a statement and a barometer check for both teams.
