It's that time of year again—the NFL schedule release is just around the corner, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Expected as soon as next week (May 13 or 14), the 2026 slate promises plenty of excitement, from the season opener to holiday showdowns. While we wait, let's dive into some bold predictions for the biggest games on the calendar.

First up: the season opener. The NFL will kick things off with a Wednesday night game in Seattle, and the matchup is shaping up to be a thriller. Both the Bears and Cowboys have strong cases, but I'm giving a slight edge to Chicago. Why? The Cowboys have already featured in the NFL opener twice since 2021, including last year, so the league might look for fresh faces to start the season.

But the real fireworks could come on Thanksgiving Eve. The NFL is reportedly adding a new game to be played the night before Thanksgiving, with Puck News suggesting Netflix is interested in streaming it. If that happens, expect a blockbuster matchup. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are the obvious choice for such a prime slot—they're ratings gold. While Kansas City likely won't face Seattle in Week 1, pitting them against the defending Super Bowl champions on Thanksgiving Eve would be a perfect way to kick off the holiday week.

Speaking of the Chiefs, the NFL loves putting their NFC matchups in primetime. Over the past two years, Kansas City has played 10 NFC opponents during the regular season, with seven of those games landing in island slots (six primetime and one Thanksgiving). So don't be surprised if their games against the Seahawks, Rams, or 49ers end up in nationally televised windows—including that potential Thanksgiving Eve showcase. Just remember, both teams playing that night are expected to have a Week 11 bye, so they'll be well-rested.

And of course, the holiday tripleheaders are back. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas will feature three games each, and we've got predictions for all six. Whether it's classic rivalries or fresh matchups, the NFL is sure to deliver drama and tradition. So mark your calendars—but hold off on booking those flights until the official schedule drops. These are just predictions, after all!