Each NFL team announced its 2026 schedule Thursday, assigning dates and times to previously known matchups and revealing the path to the playoffs.
Here is the easiest and toughest stretch on every club's schedule. For this exercise, we defined "stretch" as a sequence of at least three weeks, potentially including a bye.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA | SF | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 6-11
(at LAR, vs. DEN, at DAL, at SEA, vs. LAR, at KC)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 15-17
(vs. NYJ, at NO, vs. LV)
Arizona finished fourth in the NFC West last season but won't reap the benefits of a last-place schedule in 2026. Seven of its first 11 games come on the road, including contests in Weeks 6-11 against the Rams, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Chiefs. The Cardinals' easiest stretch comes at the end of the year in the form of the Jets, Saints, and Raiders. However, Arizona might be out of contention by then. This is an absolutely vicious schedule that sets the Cards up to pick near the top of the draft again in '27.
Atlanta Falcons
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 5-7
(vs. BAL, vs. CHI, vs. SF)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 14-18
(at CLE, at WAS, vs. TB, vs. NO, at CAR)
Falcons fans should be excited about a late-season stretch that includes beatable opponents (Browns and Commanders) and three divisional bouts with potential playoff implications. That is, if Atlanta is still alive. The 2026 Falcons have some really tough opponents, including the Ravens, Bears, and 49ers in a three-week span. They also face the Bengals in Madrid on Nov. 8 and then play the Chiefs the following week without a bye.
Baltimore Ravens
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 7-10
(vs. CIN, at BUF, vs. JAX, vs. LAC)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 1-6
(at IND, vs. NO, vs. DAL, vs. TEN, at ATL, at CLE)
On paper, the Ravens have one of the NFL's easiest schedules. Even their toughest stretch includes three home games. Would anyone be surprised if they start the season by winning at least five of their first six contests? The date with the Cowboys is tricky, as Baltimore will travel to Brazil but didn't get a bye immediately afterward. Still, this team should have a comfortable record going into its midseason blockbuster against the Bills.
Buffalo Bills
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-5
(at HOU, vs. DET, vs. LAC, vs. NE, at LAR)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 9-11
(at MIN, at NYJ, vs. MIA)
If new coach Joe Brady wants to extend the franchise's playoff streak to eight seasons, he'll have to prepare his team for an incredibly hard schedule. For instance, Buffalo plays three games in 13 days in December. However, the toughest segment is the first five contests, featuring the Texans, Lions, Chargers, Patriots, and Rams. Those teams combined for a 58-27 record last season. There's really no easy stretch for the Bills, but they could pick up some momentum in their matchups against the Vikings, Jets, and Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 6-9
(at PHI, vs. TB, at GB, vs. DEN)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 2-5
(at ATL, at CLE, vs. DET, BYE)
Carolina's slate is filled with tough matchups, but the schedule's first half could decide the Panthers' season. Dave Canales' outfit hits its easiest stretch early, although that still includes two road games and a clash with the Lions. At least the team has an early bye before squaring off against the Eagles, Buccaneers, Packers, and Broncos in a four-week span. The Ravens come to town two weeks later.
Chicago Bears
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 5-8
(at GB, at ATL, vs. NE, at SEA)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 1-4
(at CAR, vs. MIN, vs. PHI, vs. NYJ)
You can tell the Bears' schedule is tough when hosting the Eagles is part of their "easy" stretch. Still, Chicago has a strong chance to win at least three of its first four games before things get harder. From Weeks 5-8, Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, and Co. face the Packers (with Micah Parsons potentially making his season debut) and the reigning AFC and NFC champions. The Patriots and Seahawks are the first two of three consecutive prime-time opponents (the Bucs are next in Week 9) before the Bears get some well-deserved rest during their bye.
Cincinnati Bengals
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 7-10
(at BAL, vs. TEN, vs. ATL, vs. PIT)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 11-13
(at WAS, vs. NO, at CLE)
Cincinnati owns one of the league's easiest schedules, as evidenced by that manageable toughest stretch. After the Bengals' Week 6 bye, they embark on a four-game stretch that includes a rivalry test against the Ravens, an international affair versus the Falcons in Spain, and another rivalry bout with the Steelers right after their trip overseas. No extra rest. Things presumably become simpler from there, as Cincy gets an extra day off before visiting the Commanders on Monday Night Football. The team faces the Browns and Saints in the following two weeks.
Cleveland Browns
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 6-10
(vs. BAL, at TEN, at PIT, at NO, vs. HOU)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 12-14
(vs. LV, vs CIN, vs. ATL)
On paper, Cleveland's schedule is one of the easiest slates in the NFL, but it notably also includes three straight road games in Weeks 7-9. When the Browns return home, the Texans and their intimidating defense will be waiting. At least the schedule-makers gave Cleveland a Week 11 bye followed by three opponents who missed the 2025 playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 3-7
(vs. BAL, at HOU, vs. TB, at GB, at PHI)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 16-18
(vs. JAX, vs. NYG, at WAS)
Dallas' stretch from Weeks 3-7 is as tough as it gets, featuring four games against Baltimore, Houston, Green Bay, and Philadelphia. The Cowboys also take on Tampa Bay on short rest after facing an elite Texans defense. But if the Cowboys are in playoff contention at the end of the campaign, their final three games against the Jaguars, Giants, and Commanders will be favorable for a team trying to snag a postseason berth.
Denver Broncos
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-6
(at KC, vs. JAX, vs. LAR, at SF, at LAC, vs. SEA)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 9-14
(at CAR, BYE, vs. LV, at PIT, vs. MIA, at NYJ)
Congratulations on winning your division last year, Denver! Here's your reward for dethroning the Chiefs: A six-game stretch that begins at Arrowhead, followed by matchups with the Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks. The Chiefs, who are expected to have Patrick Mahomes back in Week 1, are the only one of those six teams that didn't make the playoffs last season. But don't stress, Broncos fans: If Denver can handle that early onslaught, the schedule opens up nicely, with games against the Panthers, Raiders, Dolphins, and Jets starting in Week 9.
Detroit Lions
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 10-12
(vs. NE, vs. TB, vs. CHI)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 3-6
(vs. NYJ, at CAR, at ARI, BYE)
The Lions got lucky with the start of their schedule. After a Week 2 trip to Buffalo, the three games leading into their Week 6 bye are against non-contenders in the Jets, Panthers, and Cardinals. Things get trickier in Week 10. Dan Campbell and Co. will face an 11-day short-rest stretch with games against the Patriots in Germany, the Buccaneers (early slate), and the Bears on Thanksgiving Day.
Green Bay Packers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 14-18
(vs. BUF, vs. MIA, at CHI, vs. HOU, vs. DET)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 1-4
(at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL, at TB)
Granted, the Packers play three of their first four games on the road. But none of those opponents made the playoffs last year. That's ideal for a team that will likely be missing Micah Parsons in the campaign's first month. The second half of Green Bay's schedule looks a lot more challenging. Clashes with the Bills, Bears, Texans, and Lions fall within a five-week span that closes the regular season.
Houston Texans
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 15-17
(vs. JAX, at PHI, at GB)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 5-7
(at TEN, vs. JAX, vs. NYG)
The Jaguars feature in the Texans' hardest and easiest stretches. That's mostly because the division rivals' meeting in London is sandwiched between two favorable matchups for Houston against the Titans and Giants. Later in the season, the Texans host the Jaguars with potential AFC South playoff implications before hitting the road for cold-weather games versus the Eagles and Packers.
Indianapolis Colts
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-4
(vs. BAL, at KC, vs. HOU, at WAS)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 10-13
(vs. MIA, at HOU, vs. NYG, BYE)
Now that's an intimidating way to start an NFL season. Indianapolis faces three of the AFC's best teams (Baltimore, Kansas City, and Houston) and then has a winnable game versus Washington - but it involves a trip to London. Oh, and the Colts don't have a bye after their international game, potentially setting up a tough visit to Pittsburgh. The easiest stretch of Indianapolis' season features another clash with Houston, but hosting the Dolphins and Giants and going on a bye during a four-week period isn't bad.
Jacksonville Jaguars
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 2-6
(at DEN, vs. NE, at CIN, vs. PHI, vs. HOU)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 10-12
(at TEN, at NYG, vs. TEN)
One of the Jaguars' biggest challenges will be surviving until their Week 7 bye. Jacksonville's September slate includes consecutive tilts against AFC finalists Denver and New England. In October, the team has a road matchup in Cincinnati before "home" London games against Philadelphia and Houston in back-to-back weeks. The softest part of the Jaguars' schedule falls in November: two games against the Titans (their weakest AFC South rival) and a date with the Giants.
Kansas City Chiefs
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 12-16
(at BUF, at LAR, at CIN, vs. NE, vs. SF)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 9-11
(vs. NYJ, at ATL, vs. ARI)
The second half of Kansas City's season includes both an easy three-game stretch and an absolute gauntlet. The Chiefs get three consecutive early-window games versus the Jets, Falcons, and Cardinals that should allow them to secure three wins. But that's followed by a brutal set of contests against the Bills, Rams, Bengals, Patriots, and 49ers, with the first three games coming on the road. The Chiefs and Mahomes are one of football's biggest storylines every season, and the schedule-makers gave them a massive test during the final stretch.
Los Angeles Chargers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 3-10
(at BUF, at SEA, vs. DEN, at KC, BYE, at LAR, vs. HOU, at BAL)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 14-16
(at LV, vs. SF, at MIA)
It's a good thing the Chargers start their campaign by facing the Cardinals and Raiders, because their next seven games are horrifying. Los Angeles plays the Bills, Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans, and Ravens, with five of those seven games coming on the road. Although there is a bye after the trip to Kansas City in Week 6, that stretch is pure nightmare fuel. Every AFC West team has a brutal schedule this season, but late matchups versus the Raiders, 49ers (at home), and Dolphins could help L.A. fight for a playoff spot.
Los Angeles Rams
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 3-5
(at DEN, at PHI, vs. BUF)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 6-10
(vs. ARI, at LV, vs. LAC, at WAS, at ARI)
The Rams came oh so close to making the Super Bowl last season, and their 2026 campaign could be defined by a challenging three-game set early on. They head to Mile High to play the Broncos in Week 3 on prime time and then visit Philly before facing the Bills on Monday Night Football. However, if the Rams can weather the storm, they get a break from Weeks 6-10 in the form of a five-game stretch that includes two dates with the lowly Cardinals.
Las Vegas Raiders
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 4-7
(vs. KC, at NE, vs. BUF, vs. LAR)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 1-3
(vs. MIA, at LAC, at NO)
Las Vegas didn't get an easy schedule despite finishing with the worst record in the NFL last season. It's tough to find a soft spot - all that stands out is kicking off the season against the Dolphins at home, then visiting the Chargers and Saints. The next few games are brutal: The Chiefs, Patriots, Bills, and Rams await in Weeks 4-7, and all four are Super Bowl contenders. Las Vegas could be in a deep hole before the season is even half over. This has all the makings of another long year for Raiders fans.
Miami Dolphins
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 13-18
(at DEN, vs. CHI, at GB, vs. LAC, vs. BUF, at NE)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 4-7
(at MIN, vs. CIN, BYE, at NYJ)
With Miami in a full rebuild under a new regime, it's hard to find many wins on the schedule. The easiest slate comes in Weeks 4-7, when the Dolphins face the Vikings and Bengals and then get the Jets following Miami's bye. Things get bleak after that, especially the final six games: The Dolphins play the Broncos, Packers, and Patriots on the road and host the Bears, Chargers, and Bills. The Dolphins haven't won a playoff game since 2000, and there's little reason to believe they'll snap that streak this season.
Minnesota Vikings
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 8-11
(at DET, vs. BUF, at GB, vs. SF)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 4-7
(vs. MIA, at NO, BYE, vs. IND)
The Vikings have a Week 6 bye for a second straight year, and this time, the week off falls between favorable matchups ahead of a complicated stretch. Getting wins over the Dolphins, Saints, and Colts in the first seven weeks would reduce the pressure on the Vikings as they navigate a scary November with the Lions, Bills, Packers, and 49ers on their path. Minnesota lost four in a row in November last year and had only four wins going into December. The Vikings will hope history doesn't repeat itself.
New England Patriots
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 12-15
(at LAC, vs. BUF, vs. MIN, at KC)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 5-8
(vs. LV, vs. NYJ, at CHI, vs. MIA)
New England had a historically easy schedule last season. The Patriots faced just three teams with winning records - the fewest of any club over the last decade, according to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis. While the Pats' 2026 schedule is less friendly, it still isn't a daunting slate, and that could help them avoid a Super Bowl hangover. After a few tough games to start the season, the Patriots get the Raiders, Jets, and Dolphins in the first half of the campaign. Their toughest stretch follows a Week 11 bye: They line up against the Chargers, Bills, Vikings, and Chiefs consecutively.
New Orleans Saints
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-3
(at DET, at BAL, vs. LV)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 6-10
(at NYG, vs. PIT, BYE, vs. CLE, vs. CAR)
Will the Saints make a big jump this year? We won't have to wait long to find out. New Orleans opens the season with road matchups against Detroit and Baltimore before a more winnable game against the intriguing Raiders. The Saints' Week 8 bye comes at a good time; it spaces out two winnable two-game stretches featuring the Giants and Steelers (in France) and then the Browns and Panthers, both at home.
New York Giants
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 16-18
(at DET, at DAL, vs. PHI)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 3-6
(vs. TEN, vs. ARI, at WAS, vs. NO)
After two tough games to begin the John Harbaugh era - the Cowboys and Rams in prime time - the Giants get a break in Weeks 3-4. New York hosts the Titans and Cardinals, teams that finished with bottom-five 2025 records. That's followed by a short road trip to Maryland to take on the Commanders, another club coming off a losing year. But if the Giants are battling for a playoff spot at the end of the season, it'll be tough sledding. Harbaugh's club has two road games at Dallas and Detroit before facing the division-rival Eagles in Week 18.
New York Jets
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 9-11
(at KC, vs. BUF, at LAC)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 5-8
(vs. CLE, at NE, vs. MIA, vs. LV)
The Jets face former head coach Robert Saleh in Tennessee to start, followed by three consecutive games against NFC North foes. Then they hit their easiest stretch versus the Browns, Dolphins, and Raiders. Those could be big opportunities for this young squad to rack up some wins. If New York doesn't, the team could be in for a long couple of months. A trip to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs awaits in Week 9 ahead of matchups against the Bills and Chargers. Aaron Glenn is likely coaching for his job in 2026, and the schedule-makers didn't do him any favors.
Philadelphia Eagles
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 15-17
(vs. HOU, vs. SEA, at SF)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 8-11
(at WAS, vs. NYG, BYE, vs. PIT)
Philly has a very favorable first 11 weeks, which should benefit the team as it installs a new offensive scheme under Sean Mannion. Weeks 8-11 jump out - the Eagles get the Commanders on the road and then the Giants at home. A Week 10 bye comes in handy, and the team remains in Philadelphia for Week 11 versus the Steelers. However, as the finish line approaches, the Eagles face two of the league's best defenses in the Seahawks and Texans. Philly then visits the 49ers in a matchup that could have playoff implications for both sides.
Pittsburgh Steelers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 10-15
(at CIN, at PHI, vs. DEN, vs. HOU, at JAX, vs. BAL)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 4-8
(at CLE, vs. IND, at TB, vs. NO, vs. CLE)
When a trip to Cincinnati looks like your easiest task in six weeks, that's a daunting stretch. The second half of Pittsburgh's season gets off to a tough start in November. Whoever plays quarterback for the Steelers will be tested by the Broncos' and Texans' premier defenses in back-to-back weeks. Pittsburgh needs to take advantage of a favorable October that includes five straight games versus 2025 non-playoff teams starting in Week 4.
Seattle Seahawks
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 15-18
(at PHI, vs. LAR, at CAR, at LAR)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 9-11
(vs. ARI, at LV, BYE)
Seattle's schedule is highlighted by a season-opening Super Bowl rematch, but let's focus on the campaign's second half. The Seahawks face the Cardinals and Raiders ahead of a Week 11 bye that could be crucial heading into a difficult stretch. Three of the team's final four contests are on the road, and Seattle goes up against the Rams twice in a span of three weeks to close out the season. The Seahawks will hope they're in a comfortable position in the playoff picture by mid-December.
San Francisco 49ers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 14-17
(vs. LAR, at LAC, at KC, vs. PHI)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 6-9
(vs. WAS, at ATL, BYE, vs. LV)
The 49ers are coming off a campaign where they made the divisional round despite season-ending injuries to several starters. With better injury luck, their light schedule should set them up for another playoff run. The first half of San Francisco's schedule is favorable, featuring contests against the Commanders, Falcons, and Raiders with a bye mixed in. It's crucial that the Niners take advantage because they'll face potential Super Bowl contenders - the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles - down the stretch.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 11-14
(at DET, vs. CAR, vs. LAC, at BAL)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 1-3
(at CIN, vs. CLE, vs. MIN)
Remember when the Bucs won their first three games (and five of their first six) last year? Don't be surprised if something similar happens in 2026. None of Tampa Bay's first three opponents - the Bengals, Browns, and Vikings - made the playoffs in '25. The Buccaneers are at home for three straight games from Weeks 2-4, although the third matchup is against the Packers. Todd Bowles' outfit needs a strong start to avoid another late-season collapse after its Week 10 bye. The Lions, Chargers, and Ravens are on Tampa Bay's schedule in Weeks 11-14.
Tennessee Titans
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 2-5
(vs. PHI, at NYG, at BAL, vs. HOU)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 15-17
(vs. IND, at LV, vs. PIT)
We'll quickly get an idea of where the Titans' rebuild stands. After opening versus the Jets, Tennessee faces the Eagles, Ravens, and Texans in a four-week span. At least the schedule-makers were considerate of the Titans during the holidays; Tennessee plays the Colts, Raiders, and Steelers from Dec. 20-Jan. 3.
Washington Commanders
😤 Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-3
(at PHI, at DAL, vs. SEA)
😌 Easiest stretch: Weeks 10-13
(at NYG, vs. CIN, at ARI, at TEN)
The schedule-makers did the Commanders no favors at the start of the season. Washington begins the year in Philadelphia before traveling to Dallas to complete back-to-back road divisional contests. When the Commanders finally get their home opener, they host the defending Super Bowl champions. Washington's Week 7 bye is a great spot to rest after its tough first six weeks, and the team gets a nice break from Weeks 10-13 in the form of foes with a combined 2025 record of 16-52.
