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 some of the most compelling games on the horizon.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos, Week 7
The Cardinals' schedule is a challenging one, with four of six games on the road. The home games against Seattle and Detroit are no walk in the park either. By the time the Broncos arrive in Week 7, the focus will be on Carson Beck, the Cardinals' third-round pick. If the Cardinals are struggling in the NFC West, it might be time to give Beck a shot. Personally, I think this game will be a crucial moment for the Cardinals to assess their progress under first-year coach Mike LaFleur.
Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns, Week 14
The Falcons' trip to Cleveland in Week 14 promises to be an intriguing one. It will be fascinating to see how Browns fans welcome former coach Kevin Stefanski, who had a mixed record in six seasons with the team. In my opinion, this game could be an emotional rollercoaster for Stefanski, whether he receives boos or cheers from the Dawg Pound.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 10
The Week 10 matchup between the Ravens and Chargers will be a battle of mentors and protégés. Jesse Minter, the Ravens' new head coach, spent two seasons as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Now, he'll face his former team, with Jim Harbaugh seeking revenge for his brother John, who was fired by the Ravens. This game will be a fascinating clash of strategies and personal connections.
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 12
The Bills and Chiefs' rivalry is nothing new, but the 2026 edition will be a must-watch. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, will look to bounce back after a torn ACL and LCL. The Bills, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominance over the Chiefs. This game will be a showcase of the NFL's superlative quarterback duel, and I can't wait to see it unfold.
Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 11
The Panthers' home game against the Ravens in Week 11 is a intriguing one. Lamar Jackson, now a rookie, made an impact in the Panthers' win over the Ravens in 2016. This game will be a test of the Panthers' defense against the Ravens' offense, and I'm curious to see how the Ravens' new head coach, Jesse Minter, adapts to the challenges Carolina presents.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers, Week 16
The Bears and Packers' rivalry is a classic one, and their Christmas Day showdown at Soldier Field will be a treat for fans. The Bears, led by Caleb Williams, will look to continue their momentum from the previous season. The Packers, under Jordan Love, will aim to prove themselves. This game has the potential to be a showcase of two rising quarterback talents, and I'm excited to see it unfold.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 17
The Bengals' home game against the Ravens in Week 17 will be a pivotal one. After four consecutive years of playing the Ravens on the road in primetime, the Bengals are finally getting their revenge. This game will be a battle for the AFC North division title, and I can't wait to see how both teams perform under the bright lights.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 4
The Browns' Thursday night game against the Steelers in Week 4 will be a national showcase. With new coaches on both sides, this game will be a chance for both teams to make a statement in a potentially crowded divisional race. The Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, will look to find their footing, while the Browns, led by Todd Monken, will aim to establish themselves as a force in the AFC North.
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks, Week 13
The Cowboys' trip to Seattle in Week 13 will be a test for both teams. DeMarcus Lawrence, now with the Seahawks, will face his former team. The Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott, will look to continue their success against the Seahawks. This game will be a fascinating clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Seahawks' defense steps up.
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots, Week 17
The Broncos' trip to Gillette Stadium in Week 17 will be a rematch of the AFC Championship Game. The Broncos, with Bo Nix under center, will look to avenge their loss to the Patriots. This game will have major playoff implications, and I'm excited to see how the Broncos' young quarterback performs against a seasoned Patriots defense.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, Week 18
The Lions' trip to Lambeau Field in Week 18 could be a pivotal one for the NFC North division. The Packers, led by Jordan Love, will aim to prove themselves against a formidable Lions defense. This game will be a battle for the division title, and I'm curious to see how both teams perform in the final week of the season.
Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 15
The Packers' home game against the Dolphins in Week 15 will be a fascinating one. The Dolphins, with Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis, will look to continue their success against the Packers. This game will be a showcase of two rising quarterback talents, and I'm excited to see how the Packers' defense steps up.
Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 1
The Texans' home game against the Bills in Week 1 will be a crucial one for both teams. The Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, will look to bounce back after a disappointing playoff exit. The Bills, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominance. This game will be a great measuring stick for both teams and a potential shootout between two talented quarterbacks.
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 2
The Colts' trip to Kansas City in Week 2 will be a chance for them to make an early-season statement. With Daniel Jones healthy, the Colts will look to prove that their 8-2 start last year wasn't a fluke. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, will aim to continue their success. This game will be a fascinating clash of two talented quarterbacks, and I'm curious to see how the Colts' defense steps up.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears, Week 13
The Jaguars' trip to Chicago in Week 13 will be a doozy if both teams maintain their momentum from the previous season. The Bears, led by Caleb Williams, will look to continue their impressive season. The Jaguars, under Liam Coen, will aim to prove themselves against a formidable Bears defense. This game will be a showcase of two exciting offensive minds, and I'm excited to see it unfold.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Week 12
The Chiefs' trip to Buffalo in Week 12 will be a Thanksgiving night game with major playoff implications. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, will aim to continue their dominance over the Chiefs. This game will be a fascinating clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Chiefs' defense steps up.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 4
The Raiders' home game against the Chiefs in Week 4 will be a crucial one for both teams. With Patrick Mahomes' status in question, the Raiders will look to take advantage of any weaknesses. The Chiefs, led by Andy Reid, will aim to continue their success. This game will be a fascinating clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Raiders' defense steps up.
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens, Week 10
The Chargers' trip to Baltimore in Week 10 will be a battle of mentors and protégés. Jesse Minter, the Ravens' new head coach, spent two seasons as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Now, he'll face his former team, with Jim Harbaugh seeking revenge for his brother John. This game will be a fascinating clash of strategies and personal connections.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, Week 16
The Rams' trip to Seattle in Week 16 will be a treat for fans. The Rams, led by Sean McVay, will look to take down the reigning champs. The Seahawks, under Mike Macdonald, will aim to continue their success. This game will be a fascinating clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Rams' defense steps up.
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers, Week 15
The Dolphins' trip to Green Bay in Week 15 will be a fascinating one. The Dolphins, with Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis, will look to continue their success against the Packers. This game will be a showcase of two rising quarterback talents, and I'm excited to see how the Packers' defense steps up.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 9
The Vikings' home game against the Bills in Week 9 will be a primetime Monday night matchup. The Vikings, led by Justin Jefferson, will look to continue their success. The Bills, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominance. This game will be a fascinating clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Vikings' defense steps up.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 15
The Patriots' trip to Kansas City in Week 15 will be a fascinating one. The Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, will look to continue their success against the Chiefs. This game will be a showcase of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Chiefs' defense steps up.
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, Week 4
The Saints' home game against the Falcons in Week 4 will be a Monday night affair. The Saints, led by Dennis Allen, will look to continue their success. The Falcons, under Arthur Smith, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a fascinating clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Saints' defense steps up.
New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts, Week 12
The Giants' trip to Indianapolis in Week 12 will be a fascinating one. The Giants, led by Daniel Jones, will look to continue their success. The Colts, under Frank Reich, will aim to prove themselves against a formidable Giants defense. This game will be a clash of two talented quarterbacks, and I'm curious to see how the Colts' defense steps up.
New York Jets vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Week 8
The Jets' home game against the Raiders in Week 8 will be a fascinating one. The Jets, led by Zach Wilson, will look to continue their success. The Raiders, under Antonio Pierce, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Jets' defense steps up.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks, Week 15
The Eagles' home game against the Seahawks in Week 15 will be a fascinating one. The Eagles, led by Nick Sirianni, will look to continue their success. The Seahawks, under Mike Macdonald, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the Seahawks' defense steps up.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos, Week 12
The Steelers' home game against the Broncos in Week 12 will be a Black Friday matchup. The Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, will look to continue their success. The Broncos, led by Sean Payton, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a fascinating clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Steelers' defense steps up.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 17
The 49ers' trip to Philadelphia in Week 17 will be a fascinating one. The 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, will look to continue their success. The Eagles, under Nick Sirianni, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two powerful offenses, and I'm curious to see how the 49ers' defense steps up.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears, Week 8
The Seahawks' home game against the Bears in Week 8 will be a fascinating one. The Bears, led by Matt Eberflus, will look to continue their success. The Seahawks, under Mike Macdonald, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Seahawks' defense steps up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions, Week 11
The Buccaneers' trip to Detroit in Week 11 will be a fascinating one. The Lions, led by Dan Campbell, will look to continue their success. The Buccaneers, under Todd Bowles, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Lions' defense steps up.
Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 17
The Titans' home game against the Steelers in Week 17 will be a historic one. The Titans, led by Mike Vrabel, will look to continue their success. The Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two teams with different goals, and I'm curious to see how the Titans' defense steps up.
Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Week 11
The Commanders' home game against the Bengals in Week 11 will be a fascinating one. The Commanders, led by Ron Rivera, will look to continue their success. The Bengals, under Zac Taylor, will aim to prove themselves. This game will be a clash of two talented quarterbacks, and I'm curious to see how the Commanders' defense steps up.
