The NFL's 2026 schedule release promises an exciting year of football, with a focus on international expansion. The league's nine international games across four continents and seven countries will provide a unique challenge for teams and a thrilling experience for fans. Here's a breakdown of the key matchups and their implications, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Australian Debut
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
When: Week 1, Sept. 10, 8:35 p.m. ET
Why it matters: The NFL's Australian debut is a significant milestone, marking the league's first game Down Under. It's a high-profile international offering that will attract a global audience and showcase the NFL's commitment to expanding its reach.
My take: Personally, I think this game will be a thrilling showcase of the NFL's best talent. The NFC West rivals and 2025 playoff teams will provide an exciting matchup, and the presence of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams' all-star lineup will make it a must-watch. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a Super Bowl-bound Rams team to make their mark in Australia. I predict a close game, with the 49ers' Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey looking to keep up with Stafford and the Rams' offense.
The Ravens vs. Cowboys in Brazil
Where: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
When: Week 3, Sept. 27, 4:25 p.m. ET
Why it matters: The NFL's return to Brazil for a third straight year is a testament to the league's global appeal. The Ravens and Cowboys matchup will provide an opportunity for fans in South America to experience the NFL firsthand.
My take: In my opinion, this game will be a close contest between two talented teams. The Ravens and Cowboys have a rich history, with Baltimore holding a 6-1 record over Dallas. The interconference matchup and the rare opportunity to see Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott go head-to-head make this game a must-watch. I predict a close game, with the Ravens' defense stepping up to contain the Cowboys' offense. What many people don't realize is that this game will be a crucial test for both teams, with the winner gaining momentum in the NFC and AFC, respectively.
The Commanders and Colts in London
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
When: Week 4, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Commanders and Colts return to Europe for a second straight year, providing an opportunity for fans in the United Kingdom to experience the NFL firsthand. Both teams are in desperate need of a bounce-back campaign, making this game a crucial test.
My take: From my perspective, this game will be a battle of the quarterbacks. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are coming off a disappointing 5-12 finish, while the Colts are hoping to have Daniel Jones back at quarterback by Week 4. I predict a close game, with the Commanders' offense stepping up to counter the Colts' defense. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of this game for both teams' playoff hopes. The Commanders need a win to rebuild their season, while the Colts are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The Eagles vs. Jaguars in London
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
When: Week 5, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Eagles and Jaguars have not played in London since 2010, making this game a unique opportunity for fans to see these teams in action. The matchup will also provide a test for the Jaguars' defense against the Eagles' offense.
My take: Personally, I think this game will be a thrilling contest between two talented teams. The Eagles are looking to rediscover their mojo after a disappointing Super Bowl defense, while the Jaguars are aiming to build off a strong 13-4 season. I predict a close game, with the Jaguars' defense stepping up to contain the Eagles' offense. What this really suggests is that the Jaguars are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC, and the Eagles will need to bring their A-game to win this one.
The Jaguars vs. Texans in London
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
When: Week 6, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Jaguars and Texans have been rivals in the AFC South since 2022, making this game a crucial test for both teams. The Jaguars are riding high after a strong 2025 campaign, while the Texans are looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit.
My take: In my opinion, this game will be a close contest between two talented teams. The Jaguars and Texans have split their series in recent years, with each team winning a game by seven points. I predict a close game, with the Jaguars' offense stepping up to counter the Texans' defense. A detail that I find especially interesting is the importance of this game for both teams' playoff hopes. The Jaguars need a win to solidify their position in the AFC, while the Texans are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The Steelers vs. Saints in Paris
Where: Stade de France, Paris
When: Week 7, Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Steelers' quarterback situation remains a mystery, making this game a crucial test for the team. The Saints are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign, while the Steelers are aiming to make a statement in Paris.
My take: Personally, I think this game will be a fascinating contest between two talented teams. The Steelers' quarterback situation is a mystery, with youngsters Will Howard and Drew Allar in house. The Saints, led by Tyler Shough, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. I predict a close game, with the Steelers' defense stepping up to contain the Saints' offense. What this really suggests is that the Steelers are a team in transition, and the Saints are looking to make a statement in Paris.
The Falcons vs. Bengals in Madrid
Where: Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
When: Week 9, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Falcons and Bengals are both looking to rebound from disappointing 2025 campaigns, making this game a crucial test for both teams. The star-studded affair will provide an opportunity for fans in Spain to experience the NFL firsthand.
My take: In my opinion, this game will be a close contest between two talented teams. The Falcons, led by Bijan Robinson, are looking to rebound from an 8-9 2025 campaign, while the Bengals are aiming to make a statement in Madrid. I predict a close game, with the Falcons' offense stepping up to counter the Bengals' defense. A detail that I find especially interesting is the importance of this game for both teams' playoff hopes. The Falcons need a win to rebuild their season, while the Bengals are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The Patriots vs. Lions in Munich
Where: FC Bayern Munich Stadium, Munich
When: Week 10, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET
Why it matters: The Patriots and Lions have not faced off since 2022, making this game a unique opportunity for fans in Germany to experience the NFL firsthand. Both teams have undergone massive transformations for the better, making this game a crucial test.
My take: Personally, I think this game will be a thrilling contest between two talented teams. The Patriots, led by Drake Maye, are looking to build on their impressive 2025 campaign, while the Lions are aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. I predict a close game, with the Patriots' defense stepping up to contain the Lions' offense. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for the Patriots to make a statement in Munich, while the Lions are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The 49ers vs. Vikings in Mexico City
Where: Estadio Banorte, Mexico City
When: Week 11, Nov. 22, 8:20 p.m. ET
Why it matters: The 49ers' schedule abroad concludes in Mexico City, providing an opportunity for fans in Latin America to experience the NFL firsthand. The 49ers are looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit, while the Vikings are aiming to make a statement in Mexico City.
My take: In my opinion, this game will be a close contest between two talented teams. The 49ers, led by George Kittle, are looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit, while the Vikings are aiming to make a statement in Mexico City. I predict a close game, with the 49ers' offense stepping up to counter the Vikings' defense. What this really suggests is that the 49ers are a team in transition, and the Vikings are looking to make a statement in Mexico City.
