The wait is finally over. This week, the NFL will unveil its full 2026 schedule, revealing all 321 games from the preseason kickoff in August to the final showdowns of Week 18 in January. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 14, when every matchup, every prime-time slot, and every travel itinerary will be set in stone.
We already have a few tantalizing hints about Week 1. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season on Wednesday, Sept. 9, but their opponent remains a mystery. Could we see a Super Bowl rematch right out of the gate? Hosting the New England Patriots is a possibility, setting the stage for an electrifying start. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will make history with the NFL's first game in Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will clash in the season's first "Sunday Night Football" matchup, followed by the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs on "Monday Night Football."
If you're eager to catch every reveal, tune into the NFL Schedule Release show on Thursday night. It's your one-stop shop for all the answers, from bye weeks to international games.
Before the full slate drops, let's talk strength of schedule. Based on opponents' combined winning percentages from 2025, the Cleveland Browns, led by defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett, are projected to have the easiest path. The AFC North might be less grueling this year, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens breaking in new head coaches. On the flip side, the Chicago Bears face the toughest road, with opponents boasting a .550 win percentage from last season. History isn't kind here: each of the last nine teams entering a season with the toughest strength of schedule failed to win a playoff game.
The Bears are coming off a magical 11-6 season, capturing the NFC North and defeating the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. They set an NFL record with seven wins when trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter (including playoffs) and led the league in takeaways. The question is, can they replicate that magic against a brutal schedule?
As the 49ers prepare for their historic trip to Australia, Brock Purdy and company will set the tempo for a season full of travel and drama. Get ready for a wild ride—the 2026 NFL schedule is almost here.