The 2026 NFL schedule is officially on the horizon, and for fans of elite quarterback play, the matchups are nothing short of spectacular. While we wait for the season to kick off, let's break down the most anticipated quarterback duels that will light up the scoreboard and define the year ahead.
The league is loaded with talent at the position. From established MVPs like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Matthew Stafford to rising stars like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Caleb Williams, there's no shortage of firepower. But as the Seattle Seahawks proved with Sam Darnold under center en route to a Super Bowl victory in 2025, you don't always need a household name to win it all—sometimes, a dream season comes from the most unexpected places.
Here are the top quarterback showdowns you won't want to miss this season, setting aside the usual divisional rivalries.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen (Week TBD)
This annual clash almost didn't happen after both teams finished in different spots within their divisions. But thanks to the AFC East facing the AFC West, Mahomes and Allen will meet for the seventh time in the regular season and the 12th time overall. The history here is fascinating: Allen holds a 5-1 regular-season record against Mahomes, but he's 0-4 in the playoffs. With the game set for Buffalo, the Bills' home-field advantage could tip the scales. Expect another chapter in one of the NFL's best rivalries.
Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen (Week TBD)
For the third straight year, these two MVP-caliber quarterbacks will square off. Allen and the Bills host the Ravens after their 2025 Week 1 thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. Allen is 2-0 against Jackson in the playoffs but just 2-3 in regular-season meetings. With both players at the peak of their powers, this game promises fireworks and could have major playoff seeding implications.
Josh Allen vs. Matthew Stafford (Week TBD)
If you love a good shootout, circle this one. When Allen and Stafford last met in 2024, they combined for a staggering 86 points. In 2026, Allen and the Bills travel to Southern California to face Stafford and the Rams. Both quarterbacks are looking to build on their legacies, and with that kind of offensive firepower on both sides, another high-scoring classic is almost guaranteed.
Whether you're a fan of the old guard or the new wave, the 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a quarterback showcase. Grab your favorite team's gear, mark your calendars, and get ready for some unforgettable football.