2026 NFL schedule release: Primetime Panthers, coach Dave Canales receive Seahawks rematch

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales received a regular-season rematch against the Seattle Seahawks and three primetime matchups in 2026, the NFL revealed Thursday night.

A long-time Seahawks assistant, Canales' first outing against his old organization didn't go so well. During a Week 17 matchup at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers had a chance to clinch the NFC South title but fell flat during the third quarter, losing 27-10. The Panthers' out-of-sorts offense generated 139 total yards.

The Panthers committed two turnovers after halftime, including a fumble by running back Chuba Hubbard, one play after cornerback Mike Jackson's interception. The Seahawks turned a 3-3 game into a rout.

Quarterback Bryce Young, who earned a fifth season on his rookie contract, threw for just 54 yards and eventual rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan caught one pass for five yards.

"Give a lot of credit to the Seahawks, coming out here, playing tough all day, coming up with some big conversions," Canales said, opening his post-game press conference. "We didn't do anything."

Often crediting former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for helping him develop into an NFL coach, Canales certainly will anticipate another Week 17 shot at the visiting Seahawks next season.

The Panthers, who open against the Chicago Bears at Bank America Stadium on Sept. 13, play four of their final five games at home.

Panthers to perform during primetime

Among the schedule highlights, the Panthers received three national showcases, their most since four in 2016, one season after their Super Bowl run. The franchise starred in one primetime game last season.

The Panthers, who qualified for the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017, are scheduled to kick off their primetime dates by hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. The Week 4 matchup would be the Panthers' first SNF appearance since 2016.

In Week 8, the Panthers will travel to face the Green Bay Packers under the Thursday Night Football lights. Last season, the Panthers upset the Packers, 16-13, at Lambeau Field.

In Week 12, the Panthers will hit the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a Monday Night Football telecast. The NFC South rivals met in the final week for the 2025 division crown, but didn't get national attention. 

Is the matchup a makeup? 

2026 Carolina Panthers Schedule

Here is a week-by-week look at the Carolina Panthers' 2026 NFL regular-season schedule (all times ET):

Preseason

• Aug. 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8 p.m. (Hall of Fame Game)
• Aug. 15: at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
• Aug. 21: at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m.
• Aug. 28: vs. Houston Texans, 7 p.m.

Regular season

• Week 1 (Sept. 13): vs. Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
• Week 2 (Sept. 20): at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.
• Week 3 (Sept. 27): at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.
• Week 4 (Oct. 4): vs. Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 5: Bye
• Week 6 (Nov. 18): at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
• Week 7 (Nov. 25): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
• Week 8 (Oct. 29): at Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 9 (Nov. 8): vs. Denver Broncos, 1 p.m. 
• Week 10 (Nov. 15): at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
• Week 11 (Nov. 22): vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. 
• Week 12 (Nov. 30): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m. (Monday Night Football)
• Week 13 (Dec. 6): at Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m.  
• Week 14 (Dec. 13): vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. 
• Week 15 (Dec. 20): vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
• Week 16 (TBD): at Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 17 (Jan. 3): vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m.
• Week 18 (TBD): vs. Atlanta Falcons