Many teams look forward to testing themselves against Sam Darnold (left) and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones (right) is scheduled to face his old team in the New York Giants this season. Ronald Martinez and Mike Carlson / Getty Images The NFL calendar’s latest holiday — the 2026 schedule release — came and went and there wasn’t much time wasted before fans, followers and pundits alike picked the games that matter most. The Athletic’s NFL beat writers have done their own work, too. From reunions and rematches to revenge games and renewed rivalries, the staff picks the must-see game for all 32 teams. So, this schedule: Uh, yikes. The Cardinals open with four of six on the road. The home games — Seattle and Detroit — are hardly easy. By the time the Broncos arrive Oct. 25, the Carson Beck Watch could be in full effect. This will happen sooner or later. If the Cardinals are hopelessly buried in the NFC West, it would make little sense for first-year coach Mike LaFleur to keep running out a veteran QB, be it Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew. The Cardinals will need to see what they have in Beck, their third-round pick. And that moment could come right around Halloween. — Doug Haller
Published: May 18, 2026 4:20 pm
Source: The New York Times — Read original