The NFL has released the complete 2026 schedule, detailing every regular‑season matchup, kickoff times, prime‑time slots, and the two London games, as well as the exact dates and broadcast channels for the upcoming divisional playoffs. This guide provides everything fans need to plan viewing parties, travel, and ticket purchases for the 2025‑26 season.
Full 2026 Regular Season Overview
Prime‑Time and Flex Scheduling
Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football remain the marquee prime‑time broadcasts, each featuring at least eight games. The league continues to use a flexible‑date system, moving high‑stakes contests into the Sunday night slot later in the season to maximize viewership.
International Games Expansion
Two regular‑season games will be held in London as part of the NFL’s ongoing International Series, giving overseas fans live access and expanding the league’s global footprint.
Divisional Playoffs – Dates, Times & Broadcasts
AFC Divisional Highlight
- Kansas City vs. Buffalo – Kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, with an alternate stream available on Paramount+.
NFC Divisional Highlight
- San Francisco vs. Dallas – Starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC, simultaneously streaming on Peacock.
What to Expect in the 2025‑26 Season
Balanced Home Game Distribution
Each team will host an equal number of home games across early Sunday, late Sunday, and Monday night windows, reducing travel fatigue and enhancing prime‑time exposure.
Expanded Thursday Night Football
The Thursday night slate grows from ten to twelve games, with eight contests streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Integrated Ticket Purchasing
The official schedule now includes direct links to authorized ticket vendors, simplifying the purchase process and helping to curb secondary‑market price inflation.
Stakeholder Impact
Fans
Consolidated schedule data eliminates “double‑booking” issues, giving fans clear information on kickoff times, channels, and streaming options.
Broadcasters
Flex scheduling and the expanded Thursday night lineup provide premium content for advertisers and a stronger negotiating position in rights deals.
Teams
Early access to the full calendar aids logistical planning for travel, practice, and stadium operations, while international games open new revenue streams.
League Office
Publicly accessible schedules with embedded ticket links enhance fan engagement, provide valuable click‑through data, and support future pricing and capacity strategies.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ synced to Monday Night Football or a road trip for a Thursday night showdown, the 2026 NFL schedule offers every detail you need. The league’s focus on flexible timing, streaming accessibility, and global outreach ensures another exciting season for fans worldwide.
