2026 NFL schedule release: Five best 'Thursday Night Football' games

The 2026 NFL schedule was released on Thursday, May 14. "Thursday Night Football" returns on Amazon Prime this fall (excluding some holiday matchups and international games), delivering a full slate of intriguing showdowns that often mix rivalries, contenders, holidays, and must-watch talent. 

Here are the five best "TNF" matchups. These stand out for stars, playoff implications, storylines, and potential for fireworks. 

Week 1: Sept. 10, 49ers vs. Rams, 8:35 p.m. ET (Netflix) — Melbourne, Australia

The 49ers and Rams kick off the 2026 NFL season in Australia's first-ever game. Two NFC powerhouses that are Super Bowl contenders, along with travel concerns and short weeks. Stafford vs. Purdy and a lot of playmaking ability on both sides of the football. 

Week 2: Sept. 17 Lions at Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET 

This matchup christens Buffalo’s new 2.1 billion-dollar Highmark Stadium in style. Both teams are contenders with explosive offenses and MVP candidates in Josh Allen, Jared Goff, and even Jahmyr Gibbs. Allen vs. Goff will likely be a shootout as this is prime early-season fireworks.

Week 5: Oct. 8 Buccaneers at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET 

Cowboys home games are always exciting television, and the Bucs are always the competition against "America's Team." Baker Mayfield could be hot at the right time, bringing his impressive playmaking and gunslinging ability. Expect Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to light it up at AT&T Stadium, with plenty of star power and drama in a potential playoff preview and seeding implications early. 

Week 12: Nov. 26 Chiefs at Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC) (Thanksgiving)

This is the marquee matchup of what many are calling one of the best Thanksgiving slates in NFL history. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs travel to face Josh Allen and the Bills in primetime on Turkey Day. A rematch of one of the league’s premier rivalries in a brand-new stadium, where Allen and the Bills have the Chiefs' name in the regular season. 

Week 17: Dec. 31 Ravens at Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET (New Year's Eve)

There's plenty of rivalry and hate between these two historic franchises. The final "TNF" game of the regular season is an AFC North bloodbath in Cincinnati. Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow. This is what could decide playoff seeding or a division title. Expect physicality, touchdowns, and highlight-reel plays to ring in the new year.

These games highlight why "TNF" is an underrated watch. Elite talent on a short week, national spotlight, and potential playoff implications. The 2026 "TNF" lineup looks loaded with compelling action.