NFL schedule release date 2026: When to expect an announcement, strength of schedule & more

The start of the NFL season is still months away, but the anticipation is in full swing. Between the NFL Draft and the upcoming schedule release, there is a lot for NFL fans to look forward to. 

For those wondering about the schedule for their favorite team, some patience is required. However, the opponents and locations have been revealed. 

While fans won't know which teams are playing on what dates, each team's opponents are already determined based on last season's standings and a rotating list of opponents. 

Here's everything to know about release dates and the strength of schedule entering 2026.

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NFL schedule release 2026

There is no exact date as of now when the schedule will be released. Last year, the release date, May 14, was announced during the first round of the NFL Draft. ESPN's Laura Rutledge teamed up with NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe for the announcement. 

With the schedule typically releasing in mid-May, the expectation is that this year's date won't change much from last year. Should it once again be announced on a Wednesday, many are speculating that May 13 could be the date in question. 

Over the past five seasons, the schedule has been released anywhere from May 11 to May 15, a delay from 2020's May 7 announcement date. 

Currently, what fans do know is that the season will kick off on September 9 in Seattle. However, it is not known who the Seahawks will be playing. 

Several international games have been announced as well, including locations like Melbourne, Mexico City, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Munich, and three games in London. 

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Who has the hardest NFL schedule in 2026? 

Heading into 2026, the Bears have the toughest strength of schedule based on last season's records. Their opponents held a .550 winning percentage in 2025 and include the Super Bowl champions from the last two seasons. 

The Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs round out the top five. 

Bears fans experienced their first playoff berth in five years last season and are thrown into the gauntlet this season. It will be up to Caleb Williams and company to come out on the other side of this monster schedule. 

Here's a look at each of the Bears' 2026 opponents. 

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Who has the easiest NFL schedule in 2026? 

The Cleveland Browns have the easiest path in 2026, with just four of their 17 opponents finishing above .500 in 2025. 

Also among the easiest schedules include the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons. 

For the Browns, the 2026 season will be the perfect opportunity to right the ship after a disappointing 5-12 season. 

Here's each of the Browns' upcoming opponents in 2026. 

2026 NFL strength of schedule rankings 

The dates may be in the dark, but each team knows its opponents and how tough its schedule looks. 

How is the NFL schedule determined?

The actual team vs. team matchups are determined by a formula based on divisions and each team's record from the prior season. As far as the scheduling goes, that is determined by the NFL schedule makers. 

Here's how the NFL schedule is made. 

1. Each team plays six divisional games, two against each opponent. These are split, with one at home and one on the road (six games). 

2. Each team faces all four teams from another division in its conference on a rotating basis. This creates a round-robin structure every three seasons. These four games are also split, two at home, two on the road (four games). 

3. The same happens in the other conference, as each team faces all four teams from one division in the opposing conference. This operates on a four-year, round-robin cycle (four games). 

4. Each team plays one opponent from the in-conference divisions that it has not played. These teams align ranked the same in last year's standings. For example, the Seattle Seahawks will play against every NFC East team this season. This means that they will play against the No. 1 ranked teams in the NFC North (the Chicago Bears) and the NFC South (the Carolina Panthers) because Seattle finished first in last season's NFC West standings (two games). 

5. Each team will play one more game against an opponent from the opposite conference who also finished in the same place in their division. This occurs on a four-year rotating basis. For example, this year's Seattle Seahawks will play against the No. 1 team in the AFC East in 2025. This means there will be a Super Bowl rematch with the New England Patriots.

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