With the 2026 NFL schedule just around the corner—set to drop on Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network—football fans are already buzzing about which teams have the toughest roads ahead. But here’s the twist: strength of schedule isn’t just about last year’s records. Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis uses current win totals from oddsmakers to predict the 2026 slate, a smarter approach that accounts for offseason moves. After all, one offseason can flip a franchise from contender to pretender—or vice versa.
So, who’s got the easiest path? The Detroit Lions lead the pack, followed by the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets. On the flip side, the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Rams face the toughest climbs. Think of it as a ladder: No. 1 is a breeze, No. 32 is a grind.
But the schedule isn’t just about rankings—it’s about the games themselves. We already know three Week 1 matchups. The Seattle Seahawks kick off the season on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 8:20 p.m. ET, though their opponent is still a mystery. Possible foes include the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, or New England Patriots. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams head to Australia to face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 8:35 p.m. ET. And the New York Giants will battle the Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 8:20 p.m. ET.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Week 13, when the Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens clash in Brazil at 4:25 p.m. ET. International games are a highlight this season: the Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars will play in London (opponents TBD), with Jacksonville pulling double duty overseas. The 49ers head to Mexico City, the Saints play in Paris, the Lions visit Munich, and the Atlanta Falcons take a trip to Madrid. Opponents for those games are still under wraps, but the excitement is already building.
Whether your team has an easy road or a gauntlet, one thing’s for sure: gear up for a season full of surprises. And if you’re looking to rep your squad in style, our collection has everything you need to cheer from the stands or your living room.