What happened
Adam Schefter posted the early 2026 NFL schedule reveals ahead of Thursday's 8 p.m. ET full release on ESPN/NFLN. Week 1 features 49ers-Rams in Melbourne, Cowboys-Giants on Sunday night, and Broncos-Chiefs on Monday night. International games continue with Ravens-Cowboys in Rio (Week 3) and Bengals-Falcons in Madrid (Week 9), plus Eagles at Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
Why it matters
The league's global push expands to three foreign sites in 2026, reinforcing the international series as a fixed schedule pillar rather than a novelty. Marquee primetime slots in Week 1 — anchored by a Cowboys-Giants SNF opener — signal the NFL's continued lean on legacy rivalries for kickoff weekend ratings. Dallas drawing Thanksgiving against Philadelphia keeps the Cowboys' holiday franchise intact.
What to watch
Watch Thursday's full release for opponents, byes, and primetime distribution across all 32 teams. Betting markets will publish season win totals and Week 1 spreads shortly after.