2026 NFL schedule: 5 groups that deserve extra prime-time video games

• The defending AFC champion New England Patriots are anticipated to obtain a major enhance in nationwide highlight video games.
• After a robust 2025 season, the Chicago Bears have grow to be a extra engaging choice for networks.
• Despite a last-place end, the New Orleans Saints might return to prime-time after being excluded final 12 months.

Much to tv networks’ and streamers’ chagrin, the NFL’s prime-time schedule cannot be constructed out of Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs video games alone.

Still, the league is getting into its fourth 12 months with no assure for each group to obtain no less than one prime-time sport on its schedule, and the imbalance between probably the most formidable franchises and the lesser manufacturers has solely widened in that point. And with the 2026 schedule launch nonetheless anticipated within the close to future, the uneven panorama ought to stay in place as early verdicts are rendered for every franchise.

Having already highlighted the groups deserving of fewer prime-time video games this 12 months, listed below are 5 franchises that look prepared for extra turns within the nationwide highlight in 2026:

New England Patriots

With schedule-makers left to guess how New England’s Year 1 resurgence below Mike Vrabel may take type, the Patriots solely obtained an preliminary allotment of three prime-time video games final season − the identical quantity given to the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants and Chicago Bears. Safe to say a lift is coming in 2026.

Even impartial of the Vrabel controversy that has loomed over the franchise this offseason, the defending AFC champions ought to compel loads of folks to tune in every time they play. NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye is without doubt one of the league’s most prolific deep throwers, and there ought to be widespread curiosity in how the offense rebounds from its Super Bowl 60 unraveling. And if the long-awaited A.J. Brown commerce materializes after June 1, the extensive receiver’s acclimation into the league’s No. 2 scoring assault shall be one of the compelling early-season storylines.

And New England has loads of matchups greater than worthy of a major highlight. The Super Bowl rematch in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks ought to be one of the extremely rated regular-season contests. Another tilt with the Denver Broncos also needs to show much more entertaining than the sloppy AFC Championship Game was. Matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears supply up glorious quarterback showdowns. Meanwhile, the rivalry with the Buffalo Bills has become one of many league’s finest and most consequential divisional video games. Expect the league to push the Patriots early and infrequently within the prime-time slate.

Chicago Bears

From a community’s perspective, the Bears have a lot going for them: Caleb Williams’ charming off-schedule performs, an offense that scores in droves and a novelty issue for a large model that is had new life breathed into it. Now, the league may very well be set to go all in on Chicago after hedging considerably with three prime-time video games in 2025.

What makes the Bears much more engaging for standalone home windows is the abundance of intriguing matchups. None of the NFC North grudge matches could be misplaced in a night slot, however the clashes with the Packers appear notably interesting given the thrills that the rivalry produced final 12 months. The highway journey to face the Seahawks looks like a robust candidate for the season opener, and the schedule may even embody conferences with the Bills and Eagles. Don’t be shocked if the Bears are topped by solely the Cowboys and Chiefs of their prime-time tally.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Far from a mainstream draw, the Jaguars have ceaselessly needed to accept their London dates as their most dependable alternative to seize a wider nationwide viewers. After getting only one prime-time slot final 12 months, nonetheless, Jacksonville ought to reap the rewards of its nine-win enchancment with a considerably bigger share of the highlight this fall.

While the 2 conferences with the Houston Texans may not seem to be a scores winner, the AFC South tilt ought to be a compelling matchup no less than deserving consideration for “Thursday Night Football.” Jacksonville is also paired with typical Sunday and Monday night time fixtures, such because the Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers, Giants and Broncos. No matter which video games are chosen, Jaguars followers most likely might want to get accustomed to staying up late fairly than merely getting up early.

The NFL has handled Carolina as little greater than an afterthought for marquee matchups this decade, giving them simply six within the final six years. Perhaps that is the 12 months for a breakthrough.

The Panthers are coming off an NFC South title and an finish to a franchise-record playoff drought. With all eight division winners from 2024 having obtained no less than 4 prime-time appointments final season, it looks like Carolina is due for a bump in visibility.

A primary-place schedule will carry loads of challenges for the Panthers whereas additionally opening a lot of broadcast alternatives. A brutal house slate contains the Bears, Lions, Bengals, Ravens, Seahawks and Broncos. Meanwhile, the highway schedule options the Eagles, whom the Panthers outbid to land marquee free agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

The last-place finisher within the league’s most lackluster division may seem to be an odd candidate for this checklist. New Orleans, nonetheless, has a lot going for it after final 12 months being held out of the prime-time lineup for the primary time since 2000.

Going from 5-12 in 2024 to 6-11 final 12 months may not seem to be adequate trigger for extra consideration in prized broadcast home windows. But the Saints have already made vital strides. Chief amongst them: The quarterback outlook has gone from shaky to stirring, with ascendant second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough proving himself able to making spectacular throws on the transfer. With operating again Travis Etienne Jr. and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson offering the supporting solid with sorely wanted big-play potential, Kellen Moore’s offense might make waves in Year 2.

Yet there aren’t essentially many matchups on the slate that scream must-see TV. Maybe one of many NFC South rivalry video games would suffice as “Thursday Night Football” fodder. And there are a few enjoyable clashes of younger quarterbacks with Shough taking over the Giants’ Jaxson Dart and Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza − relying on when the No. 1 choose takes the beginning reins. Regardless, New Orleans deserves higher than being blanked for a second 12 months in a row.