Best NFL Games to Watch in 2026: 15 Marquee Matchups You Can't Miss

Circle These Dates

The NFL schedule-makers have once again delivered a slate of marquee matchups that will command attention across the entire season. From the first week of September through the final weekend of the regular season, 2026 is loaded with games that will shape the playoff picture and generate endless debate. Here are the 15 you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Chiefs vs. Ravens — Week 6 (November) on NBC

The AFC's two most complete franchises meeting in a primetime showdown. Mahomes vs. Jackson on Sunday Night Football in Baltimore — M&T Bank Stadium will be deafening. This game often determines the AFC's #1 seed.

2. Eagles vs. Cowboys — Thanksgiving on FOX

The NFL's most-watched Thanksgiving game year after year. America's Team hosting Philadelphia at AT&T Stadium with the NFC East title likely on the line. Jerry World will be at capacity for this rivalry.

3. Bills vs. Chiefs — Week 11 on CBS

The AFC's defining rivalry of this era. Buffalo's Josh Allen vs. Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes — every matchup has playoff implications, and this one is no different. Highmark Stadium in late-November weather makes it even better.

4. Lions vs. Packers — Week 4 on SNF

The NFC North rivalry is as heated as it's ever been. Dan Campbell's Lions vs. Matt LaFleur's Packers — two legitimate contenders fighting for early-season momentum and, by extension, playoff seeding.

5. 49ers vs. Eagles — Week 8 on NBC

Super Bowl preview? Shanahan vs. Sirianni — two of the NFC's best coaches matching wits. Levi's Stadium vs. the Philadelphia offensive line. This game will tell us a lot about the NFC's true hierarchy.

6. Ravens vs. Bengals — AFC North Showdown (Week 9)

Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow in Paycor Stadium. The AFC North regularly produces the most physical, emotionally charged games of any division, and this matchup is their centerpiece.

7. Bears vs. Chiefs — Week 13 on Prime Video

Caleb Williams gets his measuring-stick moment against the gold standard. Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video with the entire NFL watching to see where Chicago's young quarterback stands among the elite.

8. Cowboys vs. Commanders — NFC East Rivalry (Week 7)

Jayden Daniels and Washington's electric offense vs. Dallas's defensive front at AT&T Stadium. The NFC East's internal rivalry games almost always deliver drama.

9. Seahawks vs. 49ers — NFC West Showdown (Week 10)

Lumen Field is one of the NFL's most intimidating environments. The 12s vs. Kyle Shanahan's offense — this NFC West rivalry always creates premium football.

10. Steelers vs. Ravens — Week 14 (MNF)

The AFC North's iron game. Six Lombardi Trophies vs. two — the history between these franchises gives every matchup weight that transcends the regular season. Monday Night Football, perfect stage.

11–15: Don't Overlook These

Patriots vs. Chiefs (Week 16) — Drake Maye vs. Patrick Mahomes: changing of the guard or dynasty's resilience?
Chargers vs. Raiders (Week 17) — AFC West division title implications in a Los Angeles/Las Vegas coastal rivalry.
Vikings vs. Lions (Week 15) — Late-season NFC North showdown with playoff seeding stakes.
Bengals vs. Chiefs (Week 12) — Burrow vs. Mahomes in a rematch of multiple AFC Championship games.
Week 18 TBD — The final Sunday of the regular season always delivers multiple must-watch scenarios.

How to Watch Every Game

NBC's Sunday Night Football, ESPN's Monday Night Football, Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football, and the CBS/FOX Sunday afternoon windows cover all 272 regular-season games. For the complete broadcast schedule and streaming options for each matchup, check individual game pages on this site.