2026 NFL Schedule Features
| NFL Schedule Grid Team Bye Weeks Team Strength of Schedule |
Prime Time Games Revenge Games Ranking the International Games |
2026 Revenge Games
The NFL schedule grants an opportunity to analyze the upcoming season in the middle of a news desert. We plan fantasy draft strategies around bye weeks and circle must-watch Prime Time or International matchups. Here at Footballguys, our Clayton Gray provides an easily accessible one-stop shop for the entire slate.
The schedule also provides an opportunity to identify when players are more motivated. Over the last couple of seasons, I have taken a weekly look at narratives around the matchups, and on Sunday Morning Live, my co-host, Joey Wright, has added a spotlight on these games.
On the latest episode of the Dynasty Show, we broke down our favorite narrative games week by week. You will not find every Revenge Game below, but some matchups merit special attention.
Week 1
New England at Seattle
Week 1 may not have high-profile fantasy revenge matchups, but it does have a massive rematch of the last meaningful game we all saw. A quick search shows teams that lost the Super Bowl are 3-8 all-time in regular-season rematches. Philadelphia vs. Kansas City this past September was the last instance; the Eagles won that game to back up their Super Bowl win, while the Chiefs had a difficult season.
Week 2
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay vs. Cleveland
Mayfield gets his second opportunity against the team that drafted him. His previous matchup was a loss in September 2022, shortly after leaving Cleveland. He lost that game during a short, ill-fated stint in Carolina.
In 2022, Mayfield admitted he felt disrespected by the Browns: "I was told one thing, and they completely did another."
The 2022 season was a turning point in Mayfield's career. In five seasons before the move, he averaged 3,258 yards and 20 touchdowns, posting an 86.5 rating. In three seasons since, those numbers are 4,079 yards, 31.7 touchdowns, and a 97.4 rating.
Week 5
WR Michael Pittman Jr, Pittsburgh vs. Indianapolis
Pittman left Indianapolis fifth on the team's career reception list with 485 catches and eighth on the yardage list with 5,254. He discussed the trade, "When the news broke – I had known about it, and I knew it was going to come to fruition eventually – but the news broke when I was in Uganda," said Pittman Jr. in a one-on-one interview. "I'm in this camp, there is a little bit of internet in the main center of the camp, so I'm just sitting there. I'm walking by, and all of a sudden my phone buzzes right, and then just all at once, just notifications."
There is little indication Pittman harbors ill will toward the Colts. As a legacy NFL player, he grew up understanding the business side. He expressed excitement for his teammate, Alec Pierce, after the contract announcement that marked the end of his Colts tenure, and shared the retirement announcement of former teammate TY Hilton.
Pittman talked about his new offensive fit with Mike McCarthy: "He likes to throw the ball, which is what I like too. Just talking to him about the possibility of moving all over the field and not just staying outside and kind of being that guy, so excited for that, excited to help his offense in any way that I can. Whether it's catching passes or throwing blocks, I'm down for whatever it takes."
Steelers vs. Colts notes: Rookie Steelers quarterback Drew Allar will see a familiar face across the field. Colts tight end Tyler Warren caught more touchdowns from Allar at Penn St. than any other receiver.
Week 7
RB Ken Walker III, Kansas City vs. Seattle
Walker did not pull punches when it came to discussing his feelings about leaving Seattle: "The team appreciates me over here and, like, being able to come somewhere where you're appreciated."
Game on.