What happened: NFL teams have won all six games immediately following their scheduled off weeks during the 2026 regular season. The Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings each secured victories in their first game back. The Buffalo Bills stand as the next club scheduled to play following a bye.
Why it matters: The extra preparation time continues to deliver a tangible competitive edge across both conferences as the midseason playoff race tightens. Post-bye momentum has stabilized division leaders and wild-card contenders through the first two months of the campaign. Buffalo currently holds the AFC's top seed at 6-1 and will rely on that extra rest to protect home-field positioning.
By the numbers: NFL teams coming off byes in 2026: 6-0 straight up. Individual results: Chiefs (W), Panthers (W), Bengals (W), Lions (W), Dolphins (W), Vikings (W). Bills record entering post-bye game: 6-1.
What to watch: The Bills put the league's undefeated post-bye mark on the line in their upcoming return to action.