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  1. When Does The NFL Release The Schedule for 2026
  2. What Games Has The NFL Leaked and Confirmed So Far?
  3. What NFL International Games Do We Know So Far?
  4. What 2026 NFL Matchups Have Been Rumored So Far?

There’s one aspect of the NFL that we cannot deny - they are marketing masterminds. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle in its own, but even the NFL Combine draws viewers, something that doesn’t exist for other sports. So obviously, they found a way to run the 2026 NFL schedule release into its own “must-see” event. And they are even using 2026 NFL schedule leaks to promote it.

We know, fantasy football is a year-round event these days with constant updates to the dynasty fantasy football rankings. We need to stay on top of the NFL news and rumors constantly to gain an edge there. And the 2026 NFL schedule release is especially meaningful for our best ball fantasy football rankings, considering how important the matchups in the final few weeks of the season are to that format. So let’s take a minute now to look at when the NFL schedule will be released and some of the confirmed leaks so far. 

When Does The NFL Release The Schedule for 2026

It’s the question everyone wants to know - when do NFL schedules come out? Well, the NFL has been teasing a few key dates so far. But the full schedule will officially be released during a live show on Thursday, May 14th, at 8 PM ET. You can see all 272 regular-season matchups revealed live on NFL Network, ESPN2, the ESPN app, and NFL+.

 

 

 

What Games Has The NFL Leaked and Confirmed So Far?

There are a lot of unofficial NFL schedule leaks out there on sites like Twitter or Reddit. But those have not been confirmed. There have been some rumors from generally reliable sources that will be looked at under the rumors below. First, we do have a few games that have selectively been leaked and confirmed by the NFL itself as part of a marketing ploy for their big schedule release show on Thursday.

Some of the games released have been a part of the international game series. Others have just been chosen as marquee games to drum up interest. Either way, here is what we know to be confirmed so far.

What NFL International Games Do We Know So Far?

The NFL has given us two full matchups, but we also know some of the home teams that will be playing international games. Where is what we know.

 

 

 

What 2026 NFL Matchups Have Been Rumored So Far?

2026 NFL Season Opener

The Super Bowl winner historically opens the season at home (with a couple of exceptions, like the time the Baltimore Orioles would not move a routine baseball game so the Ravens played on the road at Denver and lost). Barring something odd, the Seattle Seahawks will play a home game against one of the Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Chargers, Cowboys, Giants, Chiefs, Bears, or Patriots. We already know who the 49ers, Rams, Cowboys, Giants, and Chiefs are playing Week 1, so that leaves the Cardinals, Chargers, Bears, and Patriots. Speculation so far has leaned towards the Patriots and Bears.

Week 6 International Game

Texans vs. Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London: This one is interesting because of the source. NFL Nerd (@NerdingonNFL on X) is not only one of the most accurate schedule predictors, but he likely has real sources as he correctly leaked games before, including the Lions/Bills game this year. We already know the Jaguars are the home game, but the self-proclaimed NFL Nerd is confident the other team will be the Texans. 

First Two Weeks Leak

This one is more fun speculation than anything. But an account apparently posted the first two weeks of matchups and then was deleted shortly after. So far, they are three for three on the matchup portion (Week 1 Chiefs vs. Broncos, Week 1 Cowboys @ Giants, and Week 2 Lions @ Bills). They did have them in the wrong timeslots (e.g., they had Chiefs @ Broncos at 4 PM when it’s a night game). It’s also been pointed out that the Buccaneers have a home stadium schedule conflict that would prevent that matchup (the Buccaneers could still face the Saints in New Orleans, though). Either way, something interesting to look at while we wait for the schedule to be released on Thursday!