The NFL's 2026 schedule release has sparked excitement among fans, followers, and pundits alike, with many eagerly anticipating the must-watch games for each team. Here's a breakdown of the top picks from The Athletic's NFL beat writers, offering a glimpse into the rivalries, rematches, and potential storylines that could make these games unmissable.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Broncos, Week 7
The Cardinals' schedule presents an intriguing challenge, with a potential showdown against the Broncos in Week 7. The game could be a pivotal moment for first-year coach Mike LaFleur and the team's new quarterback, Carson Beck, as they look to make an impact in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland, Week 14
Former coach Kevin Stefanski returns to Cleveland, where he had a mixed record. The Browns fans' reception and the emotional trip for Stefanski could make this game a memorable one, especially with the potential for boos or cheers from the Dawg Pound.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Chargers, Week 10
The Ravens' defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, faces his former team, adding an interesting dynamic. Additionally, the Chargers' coach, Jim Harbaugh, will be eager to beat the Ravens after their abrupt firing of his brother. This game promises a strategic battle between two teams with strong connections.
Buffalo Bills vs. Chiefs, Week 12
The Bills and Chiefs' rivalry continues, with Patrick Mahomes' return from injury adding an extra layer of excitement. The Bills aim to avenge their previous loss to Kansas City, making this a highly anticipated showdown.
Carolina Panthers vs. Ravens, Week 11
The Panthers host the Ravens, a team they haven't faced in Charlotte in eight years. Lamar Jackson's performance in the previous meeting and the potential for a primetime game make this a must-watch for Panthers fans.
Chicago Bears vs. Packers, Week 16
The Bears and Packers' rivalry intensifies with a Christmas Day showdown. The game's stakes and the recent down-to-the-wire classics between the teams make it a highly anticipated event.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Ravens, Week 17
The Bengals' home game against the Ravens on New Year's Eve is a prime-time affair. With the division title on the line, this game could be a turning point in the AFC North race.
Cleveland Browns vs. Steelers, Week 4
The Browns and Steelers' historic rivalry takes center stage with new coaches on both sides. This Thursday night game is a national showcase and a chance for both teams to gain early-season momentum.
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle, Week 13
The Cowboys face the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks, in a highly anticipated matchup. DeMarcus Lawrence's return to his old team adds an extra layer of intrigue to this game.
Denver Broncos at New England, Week 17
The Broncos' potential for unfinished business against the Patriots makes this game a prime-time affair. The rematch of the AFC Championship Game and the presence of Bo Nix under center add to the excitement.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay, Week 18
The Lions and Packers' showdown in Week 18 could decide the NFC North. The early-January setting, Lambeau Field, and the potential for a 'Sunday Night Football' game make this a highly anticipated event.
Green Bay Packers vs. Dolphins, Week 15
The Packers host the Dolphins, with a focus on former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the team's transition. The game's setting and the return of former players add to the intrigue.
Houston Texans vs. Bills, Week 1
The Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, aim to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit. Their Week 1 showdown with the Bills and Josh Allen provides a great measuring stick for the young team.
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City, Week 2
The Colts seek to prove their 8-2 start last year wasn't a fluke. A showdown with the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes offers an early-season statement opportunity for Indianapolis.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago, Week 13
The Jaguars and Bears' meeting in December could be a pivotal game for both teams. The offensive minds behind the teams and their recent success make this a highly anticipated showdown.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo, Week 12
The Chiefs and Bills' rivalry takes center stage on Thanksgiving night in the Bills' new stadium. The Bills' fans' passion and the late-season playoff implications make this a must-watch game.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Chiefs, Week 4
The Raiders face the Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes' status in question. A potential early-season statement for the Raiders and a chance to turn the franchise around make this game highly anticipated.
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore, Week 10
The Chargers and Ravens' game in Week 10 features a mentor-protégé dynamic. Jesse Minter's return to his former team and the potential for Jim Harbaugh's revenge add to the intrigue.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle, Week 16
The Rams' return to Seattle for a rematch of last year's games, including the NFC Championship, is a highly anticipated event. The game's stakes and the rivalry between the teams make it a must-watch.
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay, Week 15
The Dolphins and Packers' meeting in Week 15 features a general manager, coach, and quarterback reunion. The game's setting and the players' returns add to the intrigue.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Bills, Week 9
The Vikings and Bills' showdown in Week 9 features two of the NFL's biggest stars, Justin Jefferson and Josh Allen. A primetime Monday night game at U.S. Bank Stadium sets the stage for an entertaining clash.
New England Patriots at Kansas City, Week 15
The Patriots and Chiefs' meeting in Week 15 is a 'Monday Night Football' game, showcasing the league's last two dynasties. The potential for a primetime showdown adds to the excitement.
New Orleans Saints vs. Falcons, Week 4
The Saints' first home 'Monday Night Football' appearance since 2022 and a primetime game to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Domecoming make this a special event.
New York Giants at Indianapolis, Week 12
The Giants and Colts' meeting features a former Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones, returning to face his former team. The game's setting and the potential for a dramatic comeback add to the drama.
New York Jets vs. Raiders, Week 8
The Jets and Raiders' game in Week 8 features intriguing storylines, including the potential for a starting quarterback change and Geno Smith's redemption against his former team.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seahawks, Week 15
The Eagles and Seahawks' meeting is a highly anticipated showdown. The teams' recent performances and the potential for a primetime game make this a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Broncos, Week 12
The Steelers and Broncos' Black Friday matchup offers a strategic blueprint for the Steelers. The game's setting and the teams' recent success make it a highly anticipated event.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Eagles, Week 17
The 49ers and Eagles' meeting in Week 17 is a primetime affair. The game's setting and the potential for playoff positioning add to the excitement.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Bears, Week 8
The Seahawks and Bears' game in Week 8 features a young quarterback, Caleb Williams, and a retooled secondary. The potential for a Monday night barn burner makes this a highly anticipated event.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit, Week 11
The Buccaneers and Lions' meeting in Week 11 is a highly anticipated event. The teams' recent rivalry and the potential for a defining stretch in the season make this a must-watch.
Tennessee Titans vs. Steelers, Week 17
The Titans and Steelers' game in Week 17 is a historic affair. The final game in the old Nissan Stadium and the teams' history add to the drama.
Washington Commanders vs. Bengals, Week 11
The Commanders and Bengals' meeting in Week 11 features a 'Monday Night Football' game and a potential career breakout for Jayden Daniels. The game's setting and the teams' records add to the intrigue.
