The 2026 NFL schedule is out, and reactions are already pouring in. Fans, teams, and media outlets can now start planning for another exciting season of professional football.
One of the most scrutinized aspects of the NFL schedule release is the number of prime-time games each team receives. The Buffalo Bills lead the league in 2026 with seven prime-time appearances.
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However, five teams failed to land a single prime-time slot. While flex scheduling could change that later in the season, nothing is guaranteed. Here are the five teams shut out of prime time in 2026:
Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets
All five teams left off the prime-time schedule missed the playoffs last season, including the New York Jets. Still, their exclusion feels somewhat surprising.
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New York remains one of the league’s biggest media markets, and the roster features several first-round rookies eager to make an impact. Did the NFL make the right call?
Tennessee Titans
The Titans enter 2026 with a new coaching staff, a promising young quarterback, and renewed optimism. Even so, Tennessee won’t get the chance to showcase Cam Ward under the bright lights of prime time.
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This marks the second straight season the Titans have gone without a prime-time appearance. The decision is certainly debatable, though Tennessee could still earn a flexed prime-time game later in the year.
MORE: 9 must-watch prime time games in the 2026 NFL schedule
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders feature a Super Bowl-winning head coach, a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback, and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Still, Las Vegas went 0-3 in prime-time games last season.
Given those struggles, the NFL’s decision makes sense. The Raiders now face a prove-it season if they hope to return to prime time in 2027.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona missing out on prime-time games is far less surprising. Questions surround the quarterback position, the team is adjusting to a new head coach, and uncertainty continues to cloud the franchise’s future.
The Cardinals also compete in a division loaded with NFC contenders, making the road ahead even tougher. For Arizona fans, this season could be a grind — or perhaps the NFL did them a favor.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins received plenty of prime-time exposure beginning in 2022, but that era is over. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Mike McDaniel are all gone, and Miami suddenly looks much closer to the team it was in 2019.
Playing in the same division as the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots won’t make things any easier. At least Dolphins fans can say they aren’t the Jets … right?