
The NFL officially unveiled its full primetime schedule for the 2026 season, giving fans an early look at the biggest matchups set for Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights.
The schedule opens with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a game expected to draw huge attention as both teams begin another title chase.
Seattle will once again rely on quarterback Sam Darnold, while New England enters the season with rising young star Drake Maye leading the offense. Even months before kickoff, the matchup already feels like one of the season's biggest storylines.
Another major Week 1 game will feature the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants on "Sunday Night Football."
Mahomes Could Return by NFL Week 1
Sunday Night Football on NBC and Peacock - 15-Time #1 primetime show - unveils 2026 schedule headlined by Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen on Thanksgiving Night, Patriots-Seahawks in NFL Kickoff, Cowboys-Packers, Chiefs-Seahawks, Bills-Packers & Eagles-49ers
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) May 15, 2026
Details:… pic.twitter.com/TbOJqQL0aU
Both NFC East rivals missed the playoffs last season, but expectations are much higher this year. The early-season showdown could quickly show which team is ready to compete.
The NFL's Thanksgiving lineup also stands out. The Buffalo Bills will meet the Kansas City Chiefs in what could become another memorable duel between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, BR reported.
ESPN's Adam Schefter recently reported there is a "realistic chance" Mahomes will be healthy by Week 1 after injury concerns earlier this offseason.
Prime-time games continue to be the league's biggest television attraction, and the NFL once again packed the schedule with teams expected to contend.
NBC will continue airing "Sunday Night Football," ESPN handles "Monday Night Football," and Amazon Prime Video keeps exclusive rights to Thursday night games for the fifth straight year.
ESPN Returns to Standalone Monday Night Games
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Some of the most anticipated Thursday night contests include Lions vs. Bills in Week 2, Chiefs vs. Rams in Week 13, and Ravens vs.
Bengals on New Year's Eve. Sunday night will showcase games such as Chiefs vs. Seahawks, Eagles vs. Commanders, and Bills vs. Packers late in the season, SportingNews reported.
On Mondays, fans will see several headline matchups, including Broncos vs. Chiefs in Week 1 and Cowboys vs. Eagles in Week 7.
ESPN will also return to standalone Monday night broadcasts after previously experimenting with doubleheaders.
The Rams and Bills lead all teams with seven primetime appearances each, showing how much confidence the league has in their star power. The Cowboys, Packers, Chiefs, and Seahawks follow closely with six games apiece.
Meanwhile, five teams — the Dolphins, Jets, Titans, Raiders, and Cardinals — were left without a scheduled primetime game.
That could still change later in the season through the NFL's flexible scheduling system.
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