The NFL is set to release its entire 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday night, outlining every game, including those in primetime, on holidays, and internationally. With the immense challenge of creating a fair schedule for all 32 teams, each team inevitably has specific desires and concerns about their matchups.
Teams Focus on Home Advantage and Travel
Several teams are prioritising their home game schedule. Arizona, facing the league’s hardest strength of schedule, hopes for a winnable home opener against a weaker opponent like the Raiders or the Jets. Buffalo are hoping to unveil their new stadium with a home game against a formidable opponent in Week 1, with the Patriots or Chiefs as preferred choices.
For some, the location of international games is a key consideration. The Falcons are set to host a December game in Spain but would prefer to keep their divisional home games at their home stadium. The Bears also have marketing rights in Spain. If chosen for the game in Madrid, it would give them nine home games and a neutral-site game against the Falcons.
Avoiding Difficult Road Matchups
Some teams are trying to avoid tough road games or specific time slots. Baltimore aims to avoid a third consecutive season starting with a challenging, primetime road opener. The Ravens lost close games in both 2024 and 2025 that contributed to slow starts.
Carolina, facing one of the league’s toughest schedules due to four road games against cold-weather teams, including Green Bay, would prefer to play those games earlier in the season. Cincinnati would prefer to avoid a primetime game in Baltimore for a fourth-straight year.
Coaching Debuts and Rivalries
The schedule could feature some interesting match-ups, especially for new coaches. A Week 1 game between the Raiders and the Cardinals would feature a showdown of two first-time coaches.
- Arizona hopes to host either the Raiders or the Jets for a winnable home opener.
- Buffalo are hoping to play either New England or Kansas City in their home opener.
- The Falcons are set to host a December game in Spain.
As the NFL prepares to release the 2026 schedule, teams are hoping their wishes are granted to set the stage for a successful season.