The NFL schedule makers have outdone themselves again, piecing together the 272-game puzzle that is the 2026 regular season. From a Wednesday kickoff to a historic trip to Australia, this year’s slate is packed with action across every day of the week—except Tuesday. With loaded Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night matchups, a three-day Thanksgiving football feast, and a Christmas tripleheader, there’s no shortage of must-watch moments. But let’s be honest: digesting all 272 games is like drinking from a fire hose. So, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 games you absolutely cannot miss.
Ranking the best games is always tricky because predicting which teams will rise or fall is nearly impossible. Just look at 2025: the Commanders were the NFL’s darling early on, while the Bears and Patriots were afterthoughts. But injuries and roster shifts flipped the script, with Chicago and New England surging as Washington faded. Expect more surprises—good and bad—this year. That’s the beauty of the NFL. For now, though, let’s focus on the cream of the crop.
When I first started this list, I thought I’d be selective, but I ended up with 19 games. After a tough cut, here are the 10 that stand out.
Kicking things off, the NFL makes history by heading to Australia for the first time. The Aussies will be hooked if the 49ers and Rams deliver as expected. Offensive masterminds Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay will have had an entire offseason to prepare, which means fireworks are almost guaranteed. Both teams are loaded with talent: Matthew Stafford returns as the 2025 MVP for the Rams, while Christian McCaffrey—fresh off a Comeback Player of the Year award—leads the 49ers. Plus, Mike Evans makes his San Francisco debut after a legendary run with the Buccaneers, and the Rams debut a formidable cornerback duo in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. This primetime showdown is the perfect way to open the international slate.