NFL Schedule This Week season is here, and the stakes have never been higher.
After a shocking Thursday night upset and several teams searching for their first win, this weekend’s slate delivers must-watch drama from coast to coast.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking for the best games to watch, this guide breaks down every matchup, time, channel, and storyline you need.
Stick around—because by the end, you’ll know exactly which games to prioritize, which underdogs could stun, and how to catch every snap without missing a beat.
Quick Snapshot: Week 3 at a Glance
Before diving deep, here’s your high-level overview of this week’s action.
- Week: 3 of the 2k26 NFL regular season
- Dates: Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28, 2026
- Total Games: 16 matchups
- Prime-Time Highlights:
- Thursday Night Football: Falcons at Packers (already played: ATL 35–14)
- Sunday Night Football: Rams at Broncos (8:20 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
- Monday Night Football: Eagles at Bears (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
- International Spotlight: Ravens at Cowboys in Brazil (4:25 PM ET, CBS)
This week features multiple divisional clashes, quarterback duels, and teams fighting to avoid an 0–3 start.
Full NFL Schedule This Week: Every Game, Time, and Channel
Below is the complete, up-to-date schedule for Week 3. All times are Eastern.
Thursday Night Football (Already Completed)
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 24 | Atlanta Falcons 35 at Green Bay Packers 14 | 8:15 PM | Prime Video | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI |
The Falcons dominated in a surprise blowout, handing Green Bay their second straight loss.
Sunday, September 27: Early Games (1:00 PM ET)
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills | 1:00 PM | FOX | Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY |
| Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns | 1:00 PM | FOX | Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH |
| Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts | 1:00 PM | CBS | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN |
| New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars | 1:00 PM | CBS | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins | 1:00 PM | CBS | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL |
| New York Jets at Detroit Lions | 1:00 PM | FOX | Ford Field, Detroit, MI |
| Tennessee Titans at New York Giants | 1:00 PM | CBS | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1:00 PM | CBS | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders | 1:00 PM | FOX | Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD |
Nine games kick off simultaneously at 1 PM, creating a true “football feast” for fans.
Sunday, September 27: Afternoon Games (4:05–4:25 PM ET)
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers | 4:05 PM | FOX | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
| Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4:05 PM | FOX | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL |
| Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints | 4:25 PM | CBS | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA |
| Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (International) | 4:25 PM | CBS | Estádio Olímpico, São Paulo, Brazil |
The international game in Brazil headlines the late-afternoon window.
Sunday Night Football
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos | 8:20 PM | NBC / Peacock | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO |
A key NFC vs. AFC showdown under the lights.
Monday Night Football
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears | 8:15 PM | ESPN / ABC | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL |
The week closes with a marquee NFC matchup in Chicago.
Top 5 Must-Watch Games This Week
Not all 16 games carry equal weight. Here are the five matchups you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
Patrick Mahomes faces a Dolphins defense that’s been aggressive early in 2026.
- Why Watch: Elite quarterback play, potential shootout, playoff implications.
- Storyline: Can Miami’s speed disrupt KC’s rhythm?
- Fantasy Impact: High ceiling for WRs and TEs on both sides.
2. Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (4:25 PM ET, CBS – Brazil)
The NFL‘s international spotlight shines on this AFC vs. NFC clash.
- Why Watch: Two powerhouse franchises with Super Bowl aspirations.
- Storyline: Lamar Jackson vs. Dallas’s rebuilt secondary.
- Global Angle: First NFL regular-season game in Brazil adds unique energy.
3. Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos (8:20 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
Sunday Night Football features two teams looking to establish early-season momentum.
- Why Watch: Prime-time drama, defensive battles, coaching chess match.
- Storyline: Can Denver’s home-field advantage tilt the scale?
- Betting Note: Expect a tight spread and moderate over/under.
4. Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
Monday Night Football brings a historic franchise showdown to Soldier Field.
- Why Watch: Jalen Hurts vs. a young but improving Bears defense.
- Storyline: Eagles aiming to prove they’re still NFC contenders.
- Fan Experience: Chicago’s primetime atmosphere is unmatched.
5. Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
The AFC North rivalry reignites with both teams desperate for a win.
- Why Watch: Physical defense, emotional intensity, divisional pride.
- Storyline: Joe Burrow vs. Pittsburgh’s relentless pass rush.
- Historical Context: One of the NFL’s most heated rivalries.
Fantasy Football Impact: Start, Sit, and Sleepers for Week 3
Fantasy managers need to act fast. Here’s your Week 3 cheat sheet.
Top Starts
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): Always elite, especially against Miami’s vulnerable secondary.
- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN): Target monster in a must-win divisional game.
- Derrick Henry (BAL): Goal-line workhorse in a high-stakes international matchup.
Risky Plays
- Jordan Love (GB): Coming off a brutal loss; confidence may be shaken.
- Cleveland RBs: Split backfield limits ceiling against Carolina.
Sleeper Picks
- Jayden Reed (GB): Could see increased targets if Packers play from behind.
- Rashee Rice (KC): Deep-ball threat against Miami’s aggressive corners.
Betting Insights: Lines, Trends, and Sharp Angles
Sportsbooks have released early lines for Week 3. Here’s what the numbers say.
Notable Spreads
| Matchup | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|
| Chargers at Bills | BUF -7 | 50.5 |
| Panthers at Browns | CAR -2.5 | 42.5 |
| Jets at Lions | DET -6.5 | 48.5 |
| Ravens at Cowboys | BAL -3 | 47.5 |
Sharp Money Trends
- Bills -7: Heavy public backing, but sharp money is cautious on the over.
- Under 42.5 (CAR/CLE): Both offenses struggle; smart money leans under.
- Lions -6.5: Detroit’s home dominance makes this a popular play.
Always shop lines and manage bankroll responsibly.
How to Watch: TV Channels, Streaming, and Blackout Rules
Missing a game isn’t an option. Here’s your complete viewing guide.
Broadcast Networks
- CBS: AFC-heavy slate, including Chiefs-Dolphins and Ravens-Cowboys.
- FOX: NFC matchups like Cardinals-49ers and Vikings-Buccaneers.
- NBC: Sunday Night Football (Rams-Broncos).
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football (Eagles-Bears).
- Prime Video: Thursday Night Football (already played).
Streaming Options
- Paramount+: Live CBS games.
- Peacock: Sunday Night Football and select exclusives.
- NFL+: Mobile streaming of local and primetime games.
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: Full channel lineups for all broadcasts.
Blackout & Local Rules
- Local games may be blacked out on NFL+ if not sold out (rare in 2026).
- International games (like BAL-DAL in Brazil) are available nationwide on CBS.
Week 3 Storylines That Could Define the Season
Beyond the box scores, several narratives could shape the 2026 season.
Quarterback Health Crisis
Six teams have already turned to backup QBs due to injury.
- Impact: Offensive production dips, defenses gain advantage.
- Watch List: Monitor injury reports closely before Sunday.
0–2 Teams on the Brink
Multiple squads face elimination pressure if they lose again.
- Psychological Edge: Desperation can fuel upsets—or collapse.
- Key Games: Packers, Panthers, and others must respond now.
International Expansion Success
The Brazil game tests the NFL’s global growth strategy.
- Fan Engagement: Record international viewership expected.
- Future Implications: More overseas games likely if this succeeds.
Team Spotlight: Falcons’ Shocking Dominance Over Packers
Atlanta’s 35–14 Thursday night win sent shockwaves through the league.
What Happened
- Falcons’ offense exploded for 35 points at Lambeau Field.
- Packers’ defense couldn’t stop Atlanta’s balanced attack.
- Green Bay’s offense looked disjointed without a consistent run game.
What It Means
- Falcons: Legit NFC South contenders?
- Packers: Must fix offensive line and play-calling ASAP.
- League-Wide: No team is safe on Thursday nights.
Historical Context: Week 3 Upsets and Surprises
Week 3 has a history of defying expectations.
- 2023: Texans stunned Jaguars in a defensive battle.
- 2021: Buccaneers lost to Rams in a primetime thriller.
- 2018: Chiefs edged 49ers in a 38–27 shootout.
This year’s Falcons-Packers result fits right in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NFL schedule this week?
Week 3 runs from Thursday, September 24 to Monday, September 28, 2026, featuring 16 games across all major networks.
What time do the NFL games start this week?
Early games kick off at 1:00 PM ET, late games at 4:05/4:25 PM ET, Sunday Night Football at 8:20 PM ET, and Monday Night Football at 8:15 PM ET.
Are there any international NFL games this week?
Yes—Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys plays in São Paulo, Brazil, at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
What are the best fantasy football plays for Week 3?
Top starts include Patrick Mahomes, Ja’Marr Chase, and Derrick Henry. Avoid risky QBs like Jordan Love until he rebounds.
Where can I bet on NFL games this week?
Legal sportsbooks offer lines on all games. Notable spreads include Bills -7, Lions -6.5, and Ravens -3.
How do I stream NFL games if I don’t have cable?
Use Paramount+ (CBS), Peacock (NBC), NFL+ (mobile), or live TV streaming services like YouTube TV.
Final Verdict: Don’t Miss These Moments
Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season delivers everything you want: drama, rivalries, international flair, and fantasy gold.
From Mahomes vs. Miami to the historic Brazil showdown, this weekend is packed with can’t-miss action.
Bookmark this page, set your DVR, and prepare for a wild ride through Sunday night—and beyond.
Your perfect viewing plan starts now.
