Part one of our NFL matchups series looked at Weeks 1-6; in part two, Weeks 7-12 take the spotlight. The middle third of the NFL schedule can produce potential playoff matchups and intense games, often setting the stage for the biggest showdowns down the stretch of the season.

Even something as innocuous as the release of the 2026 NFL schedule is enough to generate a flood of attention and excitement. The release itself is a made-for-TV event. Afterward, all 32 teams put out fun little schedule release videos.

The NFL promoted three major matchups involving Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams for the 2026 season. In a recent Instagram post, the league urged fans to mark their calendars for Williams’ upcoming quarterback duels with Drake Maye and Jordan Love.

USA TODAY Sports examines possible Super Bowl 61 previews during the 2026 regular season.

In an AFC West throwback, the Broncos and Seahawks should rock their throwback uniforms on 'Thursday Night Football' in Week 6.

The NFL announced all nine regular-season international matchups in 2026, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots.

The NFL released the Packers’ 2026 schedule Thursday night, including division rivalries, holiday games against the Rams and Bears, and several nationally televised matchups.

The 2026 NFL schedule as a whole will be revealed on May 14 at 8 p.m. ET, but several games have been leaking out slowly. We know that the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will kick off the season on Wednesday,

We all hear of rookies in the NFL having a “Welcome to the NFL” moment. It usually comes when they face one of the NFL’s best, or at a time they least expect it.

The NFL released the 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday, and we've identified the juiciest rookie matchups from the 2026 NFL Draft.

Patriots running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson will face four elite run defenses from last season in 2026.