The NFL has released its full 2026 regular season schedule, and the Sunday Night Football slate is finally here. There will be 18 games in the primetime window throughout the fall.
First up: In Week 1, the Dallas Cowboys will face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in an NFC East matchup. The Cowboys are slated to appear on Sunday night three times, tying them with the Kansas City Chiefs for the most in the NFL.
The league also heads abroad, with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers squaring off in Mexico City in Week 11.
2026 Sunday Night Football Schedule Rankings
From least compelling to most compelling, here is the ranking of the 17 matchups (Week 18 is to be determined).
17. Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers (Week 4)
The Panthers are coming off an NFC South-winning season in 2025 and will look to build around Bryce Young. The Lions will try to get back to the postseason after missing out a year ago. This matchup features star power at the skill positions with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tetairoa McMillan on the field.
16. Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (Week 5)
Lamar Jackson under the Sunday Night Football lights always draws attention. TheFalcons have a quarterback battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. that could determine whether this game remains at the bottom tier or vaults higher. Kevin Stefanski squares off against a familiar AFC North opponent. The game also features a top-tier running back bout between Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson.
15. Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 13)
This is a playoff rematch from Wild Card Weekend, where the Texans beat the Steelers 30-6 in January. Pittsburgh dropped 23 points in the fourth quarter to advance. Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned, leaving Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or rookie Drew Allar as possible options. C.J. Stroud struggled in the playoffs last season.