NFL Games are among the most followed sporting events in the United States and continue to attract fans around the world. Every NFL season brings new matchups, divisional rivalries, playoff races, standout performances and memorable moments.
The 2026 NFL season is already underway with a busy Week 1 schedule. The season opened on September 9 with the New England Patriots visiting the Seattle Seahawks. The following day featured an international matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The NFL has also scheduled nine international regular-season games across multiple countries during the 2026 season.
For fans searching for NFL Games today, NFL Games this week, upcoming matchups or the complete NFL schedule, having a clear guide makes following the season easier.
This guide covers the 2026 NFL schedule, major matchups, ways to follow NFL Games, important game-day factors and tips for getting more from every week of the season.
Table of Contents
What Are NFL Games?
NFL Games are professional American football contests played between teams in the National Football League.
The NFL consists of 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference and National Football Conference. Each conference contains four divisions.
Teams compete throughout the regular season for wins and playoff positioning. The strongest teams eventually advance through the postseason with the ultimate goal of reaching the Super Bowl.
Every NFL game can have a different storyline.
One matchup may focus on a quarterback battle. Another could be dominated by defensive performances. Divisional games often carry additional importance because teams are competing against opponents they may face again later in the season.
This variety is one of the main reasons NFL Games remain so popular.
NFL Games 2026
The 2026 NFL season is the league’s 107th season and features a combination of traditional domestic matchups and an expanded international schedule.
The NFL’s official schedule includes international games in locations including Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, London, Munich, Madrid and Paris.
The season also features traditional primetime football through Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.
This gives fans multiple opportunities throughout the week to follow important matchups.
Why the 2026 Season Is Interesting
Several factors make the 2026 season worth following:
- New team developments
- Quarterback battles
- Division rivalries
- International games
- Primetime matchups
- Fantasy football storylines
- Playoff races
- Emerging young players
- Veteran stars
- Changes in team strategies
The NFL schedule is designed to create competitive balance while also highlighting major rivalries and attractive matchups.
NFL Games Today
NFL Games today can include afternoon contests, late-window matchups and a nationally televised primetime game.
On September 13, 2026, Week 1 features a full Sunday schedule followed by Dallas Cowboys versus New York Giants in Sunday Night Football. The following evening brings Denver Broncos versus Kansas City Chiefs in Monday Night Football.
For fans following NFL Games today, checking the official schedule shortly before kickoff is useful because broadcast information, injury statuses and other game-day details can change.
The NFL also provides official schedule and game information through its website.
NFL Week 1 Matchups
Week 1 is always important because it provides the first meaningful look at teams after the offseason.
The 2026 season started with an unusual Wednesday opener between the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Week 1 then continued with the 49ers and Rams playing in Melbourne before moving into a large Sunday slate.
Among the Sunday matchups are:
- Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers
- Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts
- Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans
- New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings
- Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles
- Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
Monday Night Football then features the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs.
Why Week 1 Matters
Week 1 does not determine the entire season, but it provides valuable information.
Fans can begin evaluating:
- Offensive schemes
- Defensive strategies
- Quarterback performance
- Rookie contributions
- Coaching decisions
- Team depth
- Injuries
- Special teams
- New player combinations
It is also the first opportunity to see how offseason changes translate into competitive football.
Biggest NFL Games to Watch
Not every NFL game receives the same level of national attention.
Some matchups attract more interest because of rivalry history, star players, playoff implications or television exposure.
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
The Cowboys and Giants rivalry is one of the NFL’s most recognizable divisional matchups.
The teams open the 2026 Sunday Night Football schedule against each other on September 13. The matchup is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
Primetime divisional games can be especially important because both teams are competing within the NFC East.
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Broncos and Chiefs meet on Monday Night Football on September 14.
The game provides the final major matchup of Week 1 and gives fans another primetime contest immediately after Sunday’s action.
Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans
The Bills and Texans are another intriguing Week 1 matchup.
The NFL’s official Week 1 schedule places the game in the early Sunday window. The matchup has also received significant attention from NFL analysts because of the talent on both teams.
NFL Games and International Football
International games have become an increasingly important part of the NFL’s strategy.
The 2026 schedule includes nine international regular-season contests across four continents and seven countries. The locations include Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Australia.
One of the first international games of the season featured the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The game was scheduled for September 10 and marked an important moment for the NFL’s expansion into Australia.
Why International Games Matter
International games introduce NFL football to new audiences.
They can also provide fans outside the United States with an opportunity to watch professional football in person.
For the league, international games can help build:
- Global fan bases
- New commercial markets
- International media interest
- Merchandise demand
- Youth football participation
- Local sporting partnerships
The continued expansion of international NFL Games demonstrates how the league is becoming increasingly global.
How NFL Games Work
An NFL game is divided into four quarters.
The objective is to score more points than the opposing team.
Teams can score through touchdowns, field goals, extra points and safeties.
Touchdown
A touchdown is worth six points.
After scoring a touchdown, the team can attempt an extra point or a two-point conversion.
Field Goal
A successful field goal is worth three points.
Teams commonly attempt field goals when they cannot confidently reach the end zone but are within kicking range.
Safety
A safety gives the defending team two points.
It can occur when the offensive team is tackled in its own end zone or commits certain fouls there.
Overtime
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game can proceed to overtime under NFL rules.
Overtime rules are designed to give both teams opportunities while maintaining the importance of scoring first.
Regular Season and Playoffs
The NFL season can broadly be divided into the regular season and postseason.
During the regular season, teams compete for wins and playoff positioning.
The postseason features the teams that qualify based on their regular-season performance.
Why Wins Matter
Every regular-season game can influence the playoff picture.
A team that loses several close games early in the season may later need to win critical divisional or conference matchups to remain competitive.
This is why NFL Games become increasingly important as the season progresses.
The Playoffs
The postseason creates a different environment.
There are fewer opportunities to recover from mistakes because a playoff loss can end a team’s season.
This creates some of the most intense NFL Games of the year.
How to Follow NFL Scores
Fans have several ways to follow NFL scores.
The official NFL website provides schedules, scores, game information, standings and other league content.
You can also follow individual team websites, sports broadcasters and trusted sports news services.
For live games, score updates are useful when you cannot watch the full contest.
What to Check Alongside the Score
A final score does not always explain how a game unfolded.
Fans should also consider:
- Passing yards
- Rushing yards
- Turnovers
- Third-down efficiency
- Time of possession
- Red-zone performance
- Sacks
- Penalties
- Defensive takeaways
These statistics provide more context about team performance.
NFL Games for Fantasy Football Fans
NFL Games are also extremely important for fantasy football.
Fantasy managers follow individual player performances rather than only team results.
A quarterback’s passing touchdowns, a running back’s rushing yards or a wide receiver’s receptions can significantly influence fantasy outcomes.
What Fantasy Managers Watch
Fantasy players often monitor:
- Player injuries
- Opponent defensive strength
- Expected workload
- Red-zone opportunities
- Target volume
- Snap counts
- Weather
- Offensive schemes
Injuries can be particularly important.
NFL.com publishes official injury information for Week 1, including player statuses before games.
Checking injury reports before setting a fantasy lineup can help managers avoid starting players who may have limited availability.
How to Choose the Best NFL Games to Watch
There are many NFL Games during a regular season, so you do not necessarily need to watch every matchup.
A simple approach is to identify games with strong storylines.
Watch Division Rivalries
Divisional opponents usually know each other well.
This can create competitive games with important playoff consequences.
Watch Primetime Games
Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football are often selected because of their national appeal.
Watch High-Level Quarterbacks
Quarterback matchups can provide some of the most interesting offensive battles.
Watch Teams Fighting for the Playoffs
As the season progresses, games involving teams competing for postseason spots become increasingly important.
Watch International Games
International contests provide a different atmosphere and allow fans to experience NFL football in unique locations.
NFL Games and Rivalries
Rivalries are one of the most important parts of the NFL.
Some rivalries have developed over decades, while others become more competitive as teams meet repeatedly in meaningful games.
Rivalry games can produce:
- Increased fan interest
- Stronger defensive intensity
- More media coverage
- Historic moments
- Important playoff consequences
The Cowboys and Giants are one example of a divisional rivalry that continues to attract major attention.
Tips for Following the NFL Season
Following an entire NFL season can become overwhelming.
These simple strategies can make it easier.
Create a Weekly Schedule
At the beginning of each week, identify the games you most want to watch.
Follow Your Favorite Team
Start with your favorite team’s schedule before exploring other matchups.
Track the Standings
Standings help explain which games have the greatest playoff significance.
Check Injury Reports
Player availability can dramatically affect a matchup.
Follow Game-Time Updates
Schedules and player statuses can change, so checking official sources close to kickoff is useful.
Learn the Divisions
Understanding divisions makes the playoff race easier to follow.
NFL Games vs College Football
NFL Games and college football games are both popular, but they offer different experiences.
| Feature | NFL Games | College Football |
|---|---|---|
| Competition | Professional | Collegiate |
| Teams | 32 NFL teams | Many universities |
| Season structure | Highly structured | Different conference systems |
| Player experience | Professional | Student-athletes |
| Draft system | NFL Draft | College recruiting |
| Rivalries | Major | Often deeply established |
| Playoff format | NFL postseason | College Football Playoff |
Fans can enjoy both because the styles, traditions and competitive structures are different.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are NFL Games?
NFL Games are professional American football games played between teams in the National Football League.
When does the 2026 NFL season start?
The 2026 NFL regular season began on September 9 with the New England Patriots visiting the Seattle Seahawks.
What NFL Games are on today?
On September 13, 2026, the NFL schedule includes a full Sunday slate followed by Cowboys vs Giants in Sunday Night Football. The official schedule should be checked for the latest times and broadcast information.
What is the biggest NFL game today?
The Cowboys vs Giants Sunday Night Football matchup is one of the most prominent Week 1 games because it opens the 2026 Sunday Night Football schedule.
Where can I find the NFL schedule?
The official NFL schedule provides current game dates, times, matchups and other information.
How many teams are in the NFL?
The NFL has 32 teams divided between the AFC and NFC.
How long is an NFL game?
An NFL game consists of four quarters, although the total viewing time is considerably longer because of stoppages, halftime, reviews and other breaks.
Why are NFL Games so popular?
NFL Games combine strategy, athletic performance, rivalries, entertainment and unpredictable outcomes. The weekly schedule also creates new storylines throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
NFL Games provide a full season of competition, entertainment and memorable sporting moments.
The 2026 season is already delivering an exciting mixture of traditional rivalries, international contests and major primetime matchups. Week 1 includes a wide selection of games before finishing with Cowboys vs Giants on Sunday Night Football and Broncos vs Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
International football is also becoming an increasingly important part of the NFL calendar. With nine international games scheduled across several countries, the league continues to expand its global presence.
Whether you follow one team, track fantasy football, watch primetime matchups or simply enjoy the biggest games of the season, there are plenty of reasons to follow NFL Games throughout 2026.
For the best experience, combine live games with official schedules, injury reports, standings and reliable analysis.
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Chand Maheshwari
Gaming editor and browser game strategist at PlayStrom.
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