The 2026 NFL season promises a plethora of intriguing matchups, with each team's schedule revealing potential turning points and pivotal moments. From reunions and rematches to revenge games and renewed rivalries, here's a breakdown of the must-watch games for every NFL team, according to The Athletic's NFL beat writers.
Arizona Cardinals: vs. Broncos, Week 7
The Cardinals' schedule opens with a challenging road trip, and the Week 7 showdown with the Broncos could be a pivotal moment for first-year coach Mike LaFleur. It's a chance to see what third-round pick Carson Beck can do, potentially setting the tone for the season.
Atlanta Falcons: at Cleveland, Week 14
Former coach Kevin Stefanski returns to Cleveland, where he had a mixed record. The Browns fans' reaction will be fascinating, and the game could be an emotional trip for Stefanski, who might hear both cheers and boos.
Baltimore Ravens: vs. Chargers, Week 10
The Ravens' Week 10 game against the Chargers features a prominent storyline: Jesse Minter facing his former team. Additionally, the Chargers' roster, including Jim Harbaugh, has ties to the Ravens, adding another layer of intrigue.
Buffalo Bills: vs. Chiefs, Week 12
The Bills' rivalry with the Chiefs continues, with the 2026 season marking a year since their last meeting. The Bills aim to avenge their playoff loss to Kansas City, and the Allen-Mahomes quarterback duel promises to be a spectacle.
Carolina Panthers: vs. Ravens, Week 11
The Panthers host the Ravens, a team that hasn't visited Charlotte in eight years. Lamar Jackson's rookie year and Joe Flacco's presence add a layer of nostalgia to this game.
Chicago Bears: vs. Packers, Week 16
The Bears and Packers' rivalry intensifies with a Christmas Day showdown at Soldier Field. The game's stakes are high, as the Bears aim to build on their previous season's success and the Packers seek to reclaim their dominance.
Cincinnati Bengals: vs. Ravens, Week 17
The Bengals' home game against the Ravens on New Year's Eve is a primetime affair. With the division title on the line, this game could be a turning point for both teams.
Cleveland Browns: vs. Steelers, Week 4
The Browns' Week 4 game against the Steelers is a historic rivalry with new coaches on both sides. It's 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 game with added significance. DeMarcus Lawrence's return to his old team adds fuel to the fire, and the Cowboys seek to measure their progress.
Denver Broncos: at New England, Week 17
The Broncos' Week 17 game at Gillette Stadium is a rematch of the AFC Championship Game. With Bo Nix under center, the Broncos aim to avenge their previous loss and secure a playoff spot.
Detroit Lions: at Green Bay, Week 18
The Lions' Week 18 game at Lambeau Field could decide the NFC North. The early-January setting, sold-out crowd, and potential 'Sunday Night Football' airing make this a highly anticipated showdown.
Green Bay Packers: vs. Dolphins, Week 15
The Packers host the Dolphins, with former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and backup quarterback Malik Willis returning to Green Bay. The game highlights the dynamics between former teammates and the dynamics of the Packers' defense.
Houston Texans: vs. Bills, Week 1
The Texans' Week 1 game against the Bills is a crucial test for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who aims to build on his previous season's success. The Texans' defense will face a formidable challenge against Josh Allen.
Indianapolis Colts: at Kansas City, Week 2
The Colts' early-season game against the Chiefs is a chance to prove their 2025 success wasn't a fluke. Daniel Jones' health and performance will be pivotal in this high-stakes matchup.
Jacksonville Jaguars: at Chicago, Week 13
The Jaguars' Week 13 game in Chicago could be a pivotal moment for both teams. Coaches Liam Coen and Ben Johnson's offensive strategies will be on full display, and the game's outcome will impact their playoff aspirations.
Kansas City Chiefs: at Buffalo, Week 12
The Chiefs' Thanksgiving night game against the Bills in the new Highmark Stadium is a highly anticipated affair. The Bills' fans' passion and the playoff implications make this a must-watch game.
Las Vegas Raiders: vs. Chiefs, Week 4
The Raiders' Week 4 game against the Chiefs is a potential turning point for the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes' status and his history against the Raiders make this a crucial early-season showdown.
Los Angeles Chargers: at Baltimore, Week 10
The Chargers' Week 10 game against the Ravens is a mentor-protégé showdown. Jesse Minter, the former Chargers defensive coordinator, now faces his former team, adding a layer of complexity to the game.
Los Angeles Rams: at Seattle, Week 16
The Rams' return to Seattle is highly anticipated, especially after last season's dramatic events. The Rams aim to take down the defending champions, setting the stage for a thrilling NFC Championship Game.
Miami Dolphins: at Green Bay, Week 15
The Dolphins' Week 15 game against the Packers is a reunion of sorts for general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley, and quarterback Malik Willis. The game highlights the dynamics of former teammates and their current roles.
Minnesota Vikings: vs. Bills, Week 9
The Vikings' Week 9 game against the Bills is a primetime affair featuring two of the NFL's biggest stars: Justin Jefferson and Josh Allen. The game promises to be a spectacle at U.S. Bank Stadium.
New England Patriots: at Kansas City, Week 15
The Patriots' Week 15 game against the Chiefs is a 'Monday Night Football' showdown. With Patrick Mahomes back and the Patriots seeking to reclaim their conference dominance, this game has all the makings of a classic.
New Orleans Saints: vs. Falcons, Week 4
The Saints' Week 4 game against the Falcons is a 'Monday Night Football' appearance, marking the 20-year anniversary of the Domecoming. The game serves as a tribute to the Saints' resilience and the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
New York Giants: at Indianapolis, Week 12
The Giants' Week 12 game against the Colts features a former Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones, returning to face his former team. The game's drama and the Giants' pursuit of playoff contention make it a must-watch.
New York Jets: vs. Raiders, Week 8
The Jets' Week 8 game against the Raiders is a potential turning point for the Jets. The Raiders' strong offense and the Jets' pursuit of redemption for Geno Smith's previous season in Las Vegas make this a compelling matchup.
Philadelphia Eagles: vs. Seahawks, Week 15
The Eagles' Week 15 game against the Seahawks is a Super Bowl LIX and LIX rematch. The game's outcome will impact the playoff race, and the Eagles seek to reclaim their dominance over the Seahawks.
Pittsburgh Steelers: vs. Broncos, Week 12
The Steelers' Week 12 game against the Broncos is a Black Friday affair. The game highlights the Steelers' new-look defense and the Broncos' success under Sean Payton, offering a blueprint for the Steelers' future.
San Francisco 49ers: vs. Eagles, Week 17
The 49ers' Week 17 game against the Eagles is a primetime affair with playoff implications. The game's setting at Levi's Stadium and the presence of key players like Dre Greenlaw add to its intrigue.
Seattle Seahawks: vs. Bears, Week 8
The Seahawks' Week 8 game against the Bears features a young quarterback, Caleb Williams, showcasing his comeback abilities. The game's outcome will impact the NFC West race.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: at Detroit, Week 11
The Buccaneers' Week 11 game against the Lions is a crucial showdown. The Lions have been a measuring stick for the Bucs, and the game's outcome will impact the NFC South race.
Tennessee Titans: vs. Steelers, Week 17
The Titans' Week 17 game against the Steelers is a historic affair. It marks the final game in Nissan Stadium before its renovation, and the Titans seek to create a memorable sendoff.
Washington Commanders: vs. Bengals, Week 11
The Commanders' Week 11 game against the Bengals is a 'Monday Night Football' affair. Jayden Daniels' career breakout game against the Bengals adds to the intrigue, and the game's outcome will impact the NFC East race.
