NFL Reveals 2026 Season Schedule, Featuring Championship Rematches and Key Divisional Matchups

Why it matters locally: The 2026 NFL schedule includes multiple games featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, a team with significant fan base and economic impact in Kansas.

The National Football League today released its 2026 regular season schedule. The schedule features a lineup of significant matchups throughout the season, highlighting divisional rivalries and playoff rematches. Two marquee contests involve the replaying of the previous season's conference championships. The NFC Championship Game rematch pits the Detroit Lions against the San Francisco 49ers. Similarly, the AFC Championship Game rematch features the Kansas City Chiefs playing the Buffalo Bills. The league also scheduled a Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. This contest carries NFC East divisional implications. Additional schedule highlights include the New York Jets facing the Cleveland Browns. This game marks quarterback Aaron Rodgers' return to Green Bay as the Jets play the Packers. The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs will also meet in a regular season contest. The NFL confirmed the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins will play, as will the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs later in the season. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will also renew their rivalry, as will the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.