NFL schedule release 2026: Live leaks, rumors and Thanksgiving games breakdown

The wait is finally going to be over for NFL fans as the NFL is set to release its full 2026 regular-season schedule tonight.

The official release time is scheduled at 8 p.m. ET on May 14, 2026. It will be live streamed on NFL+ and ESPN+ and can be watched at NFL Network and ESPN2.

Prior to the official announcement, the leaks surrounding the high-profile matchups, including the season opener and Thanksgiving Day slate have surfaced and taken the internet by storm. 

The season will begin with the Seattle Seahawks defending their Super Bowl title against the Patriots.

NFL Thanksgiving games

According to Yahoo Sports, the reported schedule is:

• Early game includes Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (CBS)
• Afternoon game: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (FOX)
• Nightcap include Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills (NBC)

Multiple reports are making rounds that the Bills will be hosting the Chiefs on Thanksgiving night on NBC, as told by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

For the first team in league history, the NFL is expanding its own holiday schedule to include a Thanksgiving Eve showdown.

The inaugural Wednesday night matchup will involve the Green Bay Packers competing against the Los Angeles Rams. It will stream on Netflix exclusively.

According to CBS Sports, the Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount.

Strength of schedule

It is also reported that the Cleveland Browns will have the league’s easiest strength of schedule based on 2025 opponent win percentages (.429).

On the other hand, the Chicago Bears will face the tough one showing .550 opponent win percentage.