The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be one for the history books, and while the full schedule won’t drop until later this month, we already have the inside scoop on who every team will face. Thanks to the league’s scheduling formula, we can break down all 272 games, including the home-and-away matchups for all 32 teams. Whether you’re planning your game-day wardrobe or just eager to see your squad’s toughest tests, here’s everything you need to know before the official release.
This season, each NFC team will enjoy nine home games, meaning the conference will host the majority of international matchups. We already know the Los Angeles Rams are heading to Australia for a game, and both the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons will host international contests—though their exact locations are still under wraps. The full international schedule will be announced later, so stay tuned.
For fans who love the numbers, here’s a quick refresher on the scheduling formula (first used in 2002 and updated in 2021 with the 17th game): every team plays six games against divisional rivals, four against a rotating division from the same conference, four against a rotating division from the opposite conference, and three games based on the previous year’s standings. Plus, the 17th game adds an extra interconference matchup.
The 2026 regular season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 10, and runs through Week 18 on Jan. 10, 2026. The grand finale? Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027—yes, Valentine’s Day—at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It’s a first for the league, and the NFC and AFC champions will battle it out in style.
Now, let’s dive into the opponent lists. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for each team, with dates and times coming later this spring:
Buffalo Bills: Home games against the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions. Away games at the Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.
Miami Dolphins: Hosting the Bills, Patriots, Jets, Chiefs, Chargers, Bengals, Bears, and Lions. Traveling to face the Bills, Patriots, Jets, Broncos, Raiders, Colts, Vikings, Packers, and 49ers.
New England Patriots: Welcoming the Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Broncos, Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Vikings, and Packers. Heading out to the Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Chiefs, Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bears, Lions, and Seattle Seahawks.
New York Jets: Playing at home against the Patriots, Dolphins, Bills, Broncos, Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Vikings, and Packers. On the road to face the Patriots, Dolphins, Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, Jaguars, Bears, Lions, and Seahawks.
With 17 games per team, the 2026 season promises plenty of drama, rivalries, and cross-country travel. Keep your jerseys ready and mark your calendars—the full schedule is just around the corner!