We won't officially know the 2026 NFL schedule until Thursday, May 14th. But we do know which teams will be playing each other, and this gives us some room for NFL schedule release predictions. 

While we wait for the dates, let's look for some of the best matchups in 2026.

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Predictions For The 2026 NFL Schedule Release

Jets vs Raiders

Did you know that Geno Smith led the league for the Raiders last season? Not in anything meaningful, but he did lead the league in interceptions (17).

Congrats?

Now that Geno has joined the Jets, he will get one opportunity to face off against his old team on his new home turf in 2026. Isn't that exciting??

But this isn't about a revenge game. This is more sentimental than that. With a career-high in INTs last season, I think we see Geno throw passes to the Raiders again … 

And again …

Fun Fact: Geno Smith also led the league in sacks taken last year (55). 

Ravens vs Steelers

We've all seen a kicker send their team to the playoffs in the final seconds of a game. But it's not often we get to see a kicker send ANOTHER team into the post-season.

With BAL and PIT's playoff dreams both on the line in Week 18, it all came down to Tyler F'kin Loop. But he missed the game-winning FG (and Steelers fans immediately added Tyler Loop jerseys to their cart).

Now, with a fresh season ahead, it's time for Loop's redemption tour! He will face off against PIT twice this regular season, so he should have plenty of opportunities. And considering Loop went 30/34 on FGs last season, I think he redeems himself. 

Fun Fact: The Steelers absolutely wasted Loop's playoff gift, losing 6-30 in the WC Round against HOU.

Raiders vs AFC North

Remember the insanity of Maxx Crosby's non-trade in March? After a "blockbuster" deal involving two first-round picks, BAL suddenly reneged on the switcheroo with LV, blaming Crosby's "failed physical" as their reason for backing out.

I think we deserve to watch Crosby get his revenge.

But I'm not talking about just the Ravens. This is Crosby against the entire AFC North. Sacking everyone who comes in his way. Not just Lamar Jackson, but all of his divisional rivals. I want Crosby to show BAL what they're missing.

Unfortunately, the Raiders only play the Browns this season. So, I guess that one game will have to do for now. 

Butttt in 2027, Crosby will face the entirety of BAL's division. Set your calendar for the real revenge tour, boys and girls!

Fun Fact: Maxx Crosby is a rapper now?

Jaguars vs Week 1 Opener

This is turning into our annual "Travis Hunter watch". After he was drafted, we all wanted to know how much time Hunter would be splitting between both sides of the ball. 

And a year later, we're asking the same questions.

Despite Hunter's usage that leaned heavily toward offensive snaps in 2025, GM James Gladstone recently dropped the bomb that JAX wants to increase Hunter's time at CB.

If you draft him in fantasy, you're hoping for that sweet, sweet "Week 7 Travis Hunter" that went 8-101-1 against the Rams. Either way, we'll all be watching. 

The Matchups We Should've Gotten:

• HOU at DET: The Sonic and Knuckles reunion! David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs deserve to share a field again. Plus, Montgomery would have felt right at home watching from the sidelines while Gibbs scores.
• PHI vs NE. I know we have a few more weeks until we eclipse the long-awaited June 1st date, but if AJ Brown does become a Patriot … We deserved this revenge game.

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