The Buffalo Bills 2026 schedule release is on the horizon as it should be released later this month. With the NFL Draft behind us, it will be a long summer of overanalyzing every aspect of the coming season. What better place to start than by looking at the Bills’ opponents in the coming slate?
As contenders in the AFC once again, the Bills have several opponents that could land them in a nationally televised game. Here are our picks for games that will land either in a primetime slot (Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, or Monday Night Football) or getting a national spotlight for afternoon games.
Who could Bills face on primetime in 2026 season?
1.) Kansas City Chiefs
This is a no-brainer. Depending on when the game is and the recovery of Patrick Mahomes, the NFL is always going to feature a game between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The Chiefs have become the Bills’ mortal enemy, and it is yet another chapter in their long history.
2.) Detroit Lions
The Lions took a step back in 2025, but they are still one of the most exciting teams in the NFC. The two last met in 2024, with an electric 48-42 win in Detroit for the Bills. This one will be in Buffalo, and both fan bases have the gritty, blue-collar feel that makes them easy to like.
3.) Baltimore Ravens
At almost the same level as the Chiefs, the Ravens are a premier rival of the Bills. And like games versus Mahomes, Allen versus Lamar Jackson is a primetime battle every time it happens. It doesn’t hurt that these games have been filled with dramatic moments, including a frantic Bills comeback to start the 2025 season.
4.) New England Patriots
The Bills and their fans are wondering if they made enough moves to reclaim the AFC East from their longtime rivals. The Patriots are fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and will be looking to dispel all the “easy schedule” talk that plagued them in 2025.
5.) Denver Broncos
The last time the Bills played the Broncos, they left with a sour taste in their mouths. This matchup will be a chance for the Bills to get vengeance from their divisional round loss in overtime, arguably their best chance to move on to the Super Bowl for the first time in the Josh Allen era.
6.) Green Bay Packers
One of the game’s most historic teams and a playoff contender, the Packers are a perfect candidate for a nationally televised game. Don’t be surprised if this is a primetime game given how infrequently the two teams meet.
7.) Los Angeles Rams
Another Super Bowl contender on the schedule and another potential primetime game. Buffalo and LA played in a nationally televised afternoon slot in 2024. Allen made history in that game, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another three in a thrilling, but unfortunate 44-42 loss at SoFi Stadium.
Bills will be heavily featured once again
When you’re a perennial contender, you get a ton of nationally televised games. The Bills had nine such events in 2025 and should be in the 7-9 range again this season. The Bills also have a tough schedule, creating a lot of must-see matchups.
Add us as a preferred source on Google