The wait is finally about to end for NFL fans as the NFL is set to release its full 2026 regular season schedule tonight.
The official release time is scheduled for May 14, 2026 at 8 PM ET. It will be streamed live on NFL+ and ESPN+ and can be viewed on NFL Network and ESPN2.
Ahead of the official announcement, leaks regarding high-profile matchups including the season opener and Thanksgiving Day slate have emerged and taken the Internet by storm.
The season will begin with the Seattle Seahawks defending their Super Bowl title against the Patriots.
NFL Thanksgiving Games
according to yahoo sportsThe reported schedule is:
- The opening game features the Chicago Bears at the Detroit Lions (cbs)
- Afternoon game: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (fox)
- Nightcap features Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills (nbc)
There are multiple reports coming in that the Bills will host the Chiefs on Thanksgiving Night nbcAs reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
For the first time in league history, the NFL is expanding its own holiday schedule to include a Thanksgiving Eve showdown.
The inaugural Wednesday night matchup will pit the Green Bay Packers against the Los Angeles Rams. It will stream exclusively on Netflix.
According to CBS Sports, the Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 26 at 1 pm ET on CBS and Paramount.
strength of schedule
It is also reported that the 2025 Cleveland Browns will have the league’s best overall strength based on opponent winning percentage (.429).
The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, will face a tough challenge, posting a .550 opponent winning percentage.
