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Top 10 games this upcoming NFL season

The NFL schedule release always sparks debate, excitement, and early predictions, but FOX Sports NFL writer Eric Williams took things a step further by highlighting the 10 most intriguing matchups of the upcoming season. From legendary quarterback showdowns to heated divisional rivalries and potential playoff previews, this list captures everything fans love about NFL football. Some games feature rising young stars trying to prove they belong among the league’s elite, while others reignite long-standing rivalries that rarely disappoint when the lights shine brightest.

What makes this season especially compelling is the balance between established contenders and emerging challengers. Teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles, and Bills continue to carry championship expectations, while franchises such as the Patriots, Seahawks, Bears, and Broncos are looking to prove their rebuilds are finally turning into legitimate playoff pushes. FOX Sports clearly emphasized games with storylines beyond the scoreboard — coaching battles, quarterback narratives, revenge angles, and postseason implications all play a major role in these selections.

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The NFL thrives on marquee moments, and this slate has the potential to produce several instant classics. Whether it is Patrick Mahomes battling Josh Allen yet again, Caleb Williams facing Green Bay in one of football’s oldest rivalries, or Matthew Stafford returning for another NFC West showdown in Seattle, every game on this list feels important long before kickoff. If these matchups live up to the hype, the upcoming NFL season could deliver one of the most entertaining years fans have seen in quite some time.

#10 — Broncos at Chargers (Week 5)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The AFC West rivalry between Denver and Los Angeles suddenly feels meaningful again because both franchises appear to be headed in the right direction. Bo Nix showed major growth during his rookie campaign, while Justin Herbert remains one of the league’s most talented quarterbacks when healthy and protected. Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh also add another fascinating coaching layer to this matchup, with two experienced football minds trying to reestablish dominance in the division. If both teams enter Week 5 with playoff momentum, this could become one of the season’s most physical and emotional games.

#9 — Patriots vs Lions (Week 10 in Munich)

Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) reaches for the ball while New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan (50) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

This international showdown gives fans a chance to see one of the league’s fastest-rising young quarterbacks in Drake Maye take on a Detroit team built to contend for a Super Bowl. The Lions have become one of the NFL’s toughest and most explosive rosters under Dan Campbell, while New England appears revitalized around Maye’s leadership and improved supporting cast. Playing in Munich only adds to the spectacle, as the NFL continues expanding its global audience with marquee matchups overseas. It also feels like a measuring-stick game for the Patriots against one of the NFC’s elite teams.

#8 — Chiefs at Seahawks (Week 7)

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace (30) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Any game involving Patrick Mahomes instantly becomes must-watch television, but Seattle’s rapidly improving roster makes this matchup especially intriguing. The Seahawks have built a balanced team with a dangerous defense and explosive young talent capable of challenging anybody at home. Arrowhead Stadium is difficult enough for opponents, but Seattle’s crowd noise creates its own unique challenge for Kansas City. This game could easily preview the type of playoff atmosphere both teams hope to experience later in the season.

#7 — 49ers at Cowboys (Week 10 on FOX)

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (31) slides short of the goal line in the final seconds of the game against Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Even when the stakes change, San Francisco and Dallas always manage to produce one of the NFL’s biggest television events. The rivalry carries decades of history, and recent postseason meetings have only intensified the tension between the two fan bases. The 49ers remain loaded with offensive firepower and defensive talent, while the Cowboys continue chasing a breakthrough season capable of ending their long Super Bowl drought. With star power on both sidelines, this matchup has all the ingredients of another dramatic NFC showdown.

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#6 — Bengals at Ravens (Week 7)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) drops a pass from Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Dec. 14, 2025. Credit: © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Few rivalries in football are as consistently intense as Cincinnati versus Baltimore. Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson have transformed AFC North football into must-see entertainment because both quarterbacks can completely take over games in different ways. The Ravens remain one of the NFL’s most physical teams, while the Bengals rely on offensive explosiveness and Burrow’s elite poise in high-pressure moments. Considering how close the division race usually becomes, this game could end up carrying massive playoff implications by season’s end.

#5 — Bears at Packers (Week 5 on FOX)

Green Bay Packers tight end Josh Whyle (81) runs the ball during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Bears 28-21. Credit: © Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The NFL’s oldest rivalry enters a fascinating new era with Caleb Williams trying to change Chicago’s fortunes against Green Bay. The Packers continue to look like a perennial contender behind Jordan Love, but the Bears finally appear equipped to compete offensively after years of inconsistency. Lambeau Field always provides one of the sport’s best atmospheres, especially when Chicago comes to town. If Williams delivers a signature performance here, it could mark a major moment in the Bears-Packers rivalry moving forward.

#4 — Patriots at Seahawks (Week 1)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (center right) forces a fumble by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This season opener carries even more weight because it is a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl, immediately giving Week 1 a playoff atmosphere. Drake Maye helped lead New England back to championship relevance far quicker than expected, while Seattle enters the year determined to prove its title run was no fluke. The Seahawks will have the advantage of playing in one of the loudest stadiums in football, but the Patriots already showed last postseason they are capable of winning under pressure against elite competition. With revenge, bragging rights, and two Super Bowl-caliber teams involved, this matchup feels far bigger than a typical opening-week game.

#3 — Eagles at Cowboys (Week 12 on FOX)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs with the ball in attempt to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Philadelphia and Dallas remain one of the NFL’s premier rivalries because the games almost always carry division-title implications. The Eagles continue to build around Jalen Hurts and one of the league’s strongest rosters, while the Cowboys are desperate to prove they can finally overcome their postseason frustrations. AT&T Stadium will be electric for a late-season showdown between two teams expected to battle for NFC supremacy. This game also has the potential to shape playoff seeding across the conference.

5/17/26: Top 5 Plays of the Day

The NFL’s global push is reaching another level in 2026, and this season’s international slate feels bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than anything the league has attempted before. With games scheduled across Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico, the NFL is no longer simply testing overseas markets — it is fully embracing the idea of becoming a worldwide sports powerhouse. Fans across four continents will get the opportunity to experience meaningful regular-season matchups featuring some of the league’s biggest franchises, brightest stars, and most passionate fan bases. From historic first-time host cities like Melbourne and Paris to established NFL hotspots like London and Mexico City, the 2026 international schedule showcases just how far the game has expanded beyond the United States.

What makes this year’s lineup especially compelling is the quality of the matchups themselves. Rivalries, playoff-caliber teams, superstar quarterbacks, and major-market franchises are all part of the package. The San Francisco 49ers will make history twice overseas, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to strengthen their London identity, and teams like the Cowboys, Ravens, Bengals, Eagles, and Steelers bring massive international appeal. The NFL clearly understands that these games are no longer novelty events — they are marquee showcases designed to grow the league’s audience and strengthen fan engagement around the globe.

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With packed stadiums, unique atmospheres, and global attention expected at every stop, the 2026 NFL International Games could become one of the defining storylines of the upcoming season.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (18) drops a pass while being defended by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Luke Gifford (57) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground — Melbourne, Australia

Week: Week 1 (Sept. 11 AUS / Sept. 10 US)

The NFL could not have picked a better matchup to debut in Australia than a heated NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Rams. Both franchises are loaded with star power, playoff expectations, and passionate fan bases, which should create an electric atmosphere inside the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. San Francisco’s physical style and elite roster depth make them perennial contenders, while the Rams continue to build around an explosive offensive system capable of producing fireworks on any stage. This game feels less like a novelty event and more like a legitimate postseason-level showdown to open the international slate.

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jahmal Banks (86) catches a pass in front of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (32) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Banks is called for offensive pass interference on the play. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Venue: Maracanã Stadium — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Week: Week 3 (September 27)

Dubbed as one of the most popular teams in the world, the Cowboys, and pairing them against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Brazil gives the NFL one of its most marketable international matchups ever. Baltimore enters the season with one of the league’s most dangerous offenses and a defense built around speed and aggression, while Dallas remains loaded with star talent and national spotlight appeal. Maracanã Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in sports history, and the atmosphere should feel massive from kickoff to final whistle. If both teams start the season strong, this could easily become one of the most-watched games of the early NFL calendar.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders push into the end zone for a touchdown Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Credit: © Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England

Week: Week 4 (October 4)

London fans are set to witness an intriguing battle between two franchises trying to establish themselves as long-term contenders. The Commanders continue building around a young, exciting core, while the Colts hope their offensive growth can help them re-emerge in the AFC playoff picture. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become one of the NFL’s best international venues, consistently delivering strong crowds and energetic atmospheres. This game could feature plenty of offensive creativity and serve as an early measuring stick for both teams’ postseason aspirations.

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Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) intercepts the ball past Jacksonville Jaguars running back D’Ernest Johnson (2) late in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England

Week: Week 5 (October 11)

The Eagles bring one of the NFL’s most physical and talented rosters into a matchup against a Jaguars team that continues to strengthen its international identity. Jacksonville has practically become London’s adopted NFL franchise thanks to its consistent overseas appearances, but Philadelphia’s fan base who are willing to spend and travel could make this feel like a playoff atmosphere. The Eagles’ dominance in the trenches and explosive offensive weapons make them one of the league’s most dangerous teams entering 2026. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will view this as an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the NFC’s elite contenders on a global stage.

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#2 — Chiefs at Bills (Week 12)

Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa gets a hold of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and forces him to give up throwing a pass during second half action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Nov. 2, 2025. Credit: © Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen has become the defining quarterback rivalry of this generation. Every time Kansas City and Buffalo meet, the game feels like a heavyweight fight filled with momentum swings, explosive plays, and postseason intensity. The Bills remain one of the few AFC teams capable of matching the Chiefs offensively, while Kansas City continues to set the standard for championship football. It would not be surprising if this matchup once again previews a future AFC playoff classic.

#1 — Rams at Seahawks (Week 16 on FOX)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes a catch for a touchdown against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

FOX Sports placing Rams-Seahawks at No. 1 speaks to how compelling the NFC West could become this season. Matthew Stafford still gives Los Angeles a chance against anybody, while Seattle believes its young core is ready to take another major step forward. Divisional games late in the season often determine playoff positioning, and Week 16 could carry enormous postseason consequences for both franchises. The combination of rivalry history, quarterback intrigue, and playoff pressure makes this matchup feel worthy of the top spot on the list.

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