The 2026 NFL schedule is set, and there’s a lot to unpack. For fantasy football purposes, matchups matter, especially at the start of the season and during the fantasy playoffs. Consider, too, the dreaded NFL bye weeks along the way. Let’s take an early look at how the 2026 NFL schedule release may impact the fantasy football season ahead.

This post contains a lengthy preview from a free FTN Fantasy article that is linked here and at the end of this post.

The schedule was released less than 24 hours ago so feel free to discuss any easy/tough schedules or notable information you may have found surrounding your own teams especially! That’s what the comment section is for! Have a great weekend.

Takeaways from the 2026 NFL Schedule Release

It always feels good to stack wins over the first month of the fantasy football season. Losing two or more games in Weeks 1-4 can induce panic and influence bad decision making when it comes to trading or working the waiver wire. The fantasy football season is a long one, but getting off to a successful start with specific players is a huge advantage. Let’s start by looking at teams that have the easiest and the hardest schedules across the first month taking into consideration matchups and the team’s own offense.

Three Easiest NFL Schedules: Weeks 1-4

3. San Francisco 49ers
vs. LAR (Australia), vs. MIA, vs. ARI, vs. DEN

Traveling to Australia for Week 1 won’t be easy, but returning to three straight home games is a nice consolation for the 49ers. They’re set up nicely, too, in Weeks 2 and 3 against the Dolphins and Cardinals, two teams expected to struggle in 2026. Even though their first month wraps up against a tough Broncos defense, that game is at home, as well, and the likelihood of Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evansand Brock Purdy being healthy should be higher early on.

2. Kansas City Chiefs
vs. DEN, vs. IND, @ MIA, @ LV

By no means is beginning the season against the Broncos easy, but luckily for the Chiefs it’s at home. Considering the game is in prime time on Monday Night Football, it could indicate that Patrick Mahomes will be available, as well. Following this AFC West showdown, the Chiefs face the Colts, Dolphins and Raiders, all bottom-12 in points per game allowed to opponents last season. Kansas City could be a fantasy goldmine early on especially with new backfield weapon Kenneth Walker III.

1. Detroit Lions
vs. NO, at BUF, vs. NYJ, at CAR

Despite losing former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson last offseason, the Lions still managed to average 28.3 points per game, fourth most. Fantasy managers will invest heavily into Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams yet again in 2026. They should have no problem putting up points at home against the Saints and Jets, with shootout potential in Week 2 on the road against the Bills in the debut of Buffalo’s new stadium.

Three Hardest NFL Schedules: Weeks 1-4

3. Los Angeles Rams
vs. SF (Australia), vs. NYG, at DEN, at PHI

Sure, it’s Week 1, so there’s plenty of time to prepare, but traveling to Australia to play a divisional opponent doesn’t exactly sound like the most fun way to start the season for a Super Bowl contender like the Rams. Los Angeles does get a home game against the Giants in Week 2 but then faces two tough defenses in the Broncos and Eagles back-to-back on the road. There will always be concern with the ages of Matthew Stafford (38) and Davante Adams (33), but even more so with tough tests to start the season.

2. Washington Commanders
at PHI, at DAL, vs. SEA, vs. IND (London)
The Commanders begin the 2026 season on the road in back-to-back NFC East matchups. They are one of five teams to begin the season with two games on the road. Their home opener in Week 3 is against the defending Super Bowl champions. Washington then concedes a home game to “host” the Colts overseas in London. Not only is it a lot of travel, but the one game spent in their own stadium is against arguably the league’s best defense. There’s also plenty of questions around the Commanders’ offensive personnel, specifically regarding their backfield rotation and which pass catchers, if any, will step up alongside Terry McLaurin.

1. Arizona Cardinals
at LAC, vs. SEA, at SF, at NYG

There aren’t high expectations for the 2026 Cardinals. They are in the mix to land the top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, and their first four games put them on the fast track to do so. On one hand, they don’t travel too far to play the Chargers, host the Seahawks, then play the 49ers, all on the west coast. The former two both ranked in the top-10 in fewest points per game allowed last season. The 49ers sit just outside the top-12. A silver lining here may be that the Cardinals will need to throw a ton to keep up with most teams, but especially these four. That volume through the air could yield major scoring for Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. early on. Jacoby Brissett averaged 40.4 pass attempts per game in 12 starts last season.

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FULL, FREE article continued here including
- Best/Worst Schedules Weeks 15-17
- Bye Week Breakdown
- Fast Facts
with some fantasy football advice along the way

Breece Hall tore his ACL in 2022 as a rookie and has played in 49 of a possible 51 games post-surgery

Here’s three stats that paint a picture of what we’ve seen from Hall since and a discussion on perhaps what we can expect in 2026

Team Rush Share - GOOD
2023: 63.4% (8th among RBs)
2024: 57.6% (16th)
2025: 67.9% (8th)

Targets Per Game - BAD
2023: 5.6 (2nd)
2024: 4.8 (3rd)
2025: 3.0 (22nd)

Red Zone Attempts - UGLY
2023: 24 (32nd)
2024: 23 (31st)
2025: 24 (35th)

via FTN Fantasy Stats

Especially after the pay day today of three years, $45.75M with $29M guaranteed, Hall should continue to lead the NYJ backfield in new OC Frank Reich’s offense

Geno Smith is set to be the Week 1 starter at quarterback, and with new added weapons in rookies Omar Cooper, Kenyon Sadiq, that will hopefully create more red zone opportunities for this offense, and Hall

But the pass catching that made Hall a tremendous value in PPR worries me a bit despite a history of a high volume role taking a huge dip last year

Not only will more options in the NYJ passing game impact Hall’s targets, but Geno Smith has ranked 11th, 14th, 23rd respectively since 2023 in Check Down Rate.

Hall is probably closer to an RB2 in fantasy than an RB1 and may simply yield an equal return on investment in 2026 drafts

As the calendar turns to May, it’s time to start getting back into the fantasy football mindset if you haven’t already. A lot has changed around the NFL over the last few months. Here’s one fact from every team with a brief discussion to get you thinking and prepping for another run at your league’s title in a few months.

This post contains a brief discussion of 1 fact from 8 of the 32 teams (one per division)

but there is a full article included below for discussions from all others

It’s early May so we’re easing back into things here, but the important part is that we are, in fact, BACK!

One Fact to Consider for Fantasy Football from Each of The 32 NFL Teams

Full (free) article with discussion for all 32 teams here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/1-fantasy-football-fact-for-all-32-teams

ATLANTA FALCONS

Kyle Pitts Sr. Logged a 95.1% Route Participation Rate in 2025

It was a career year for Pitts almost across the board with 118 targets, 88 receptions, 928 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 95.1% route participation rate led all tight ends. He and McBride were the only two tight ends with higher than an 80.0% route participation rate and over 20.0% of their team’s target share. Including Pitts, only six different tight ends have achieved this involvement over the last five seasons.

There were rumors that Pitts could be traded this offseason or during the 2026 NFL Draft. He signed the fully guaranteed $15.045 million franchise tag back in early April, though that only locks him in for the 2026 season.

Should Pitts remain with the Falcons for this season, and it looks like he will, he should thrive in new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Since 2020, the Cleveland Browns, under Stefanski, ranked fifth, sixth, sixth, sixth, fourth and second respectively in total targets to tight ends each season. Pitts should also benefit from a high volume of looks from Tua Tagovailoa underneath as he’s ranked 21st, 40th and 32nd in average depth of target over the last three seasons.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Chase Brown Averaged 17.7 Touches Per Game In 2025

The loss of Joe Burrow early on impacted the entire Bengals offense, including running back Chase Brown In three full games immediately following the Burrow toe injury, Brown averaged just 52.0 total yards on 14.0 touches per game without finding the end zone at all. After trading for Joe Flacco, and with the eventual return of Burrow, Brown averaged 18.1 touches per game in his final 12 games with eight games of 100 or more total yards and 10 total touchdowns.

Heading into the 2026 season, it remains just Semaje Perine, Tahj Brooks and Gary Brightwellbehind Brown on the depth chart. Only Brooks is under contract for the 2027 season, too. That said, Brown should be in line for a heavy workload yet again in 2026, though a bit overlooked with plenty of other exciting options at the position.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens Both Ranked Top-15 in Targets Per Game Last Season

Any doubts CeeDee Lamb and George Pickenscouldn’t both eat in the Cowboys’ offense last season were put to rest rather quickly. However, Pickens did ultimately have a better season than Lamb finishing 11th in receptions per game (5.5), fourth in yards per game (84.1), and eighth in receiving touchdowns (9). Pickens did play 17 games to just 14 for Lamb but finished with 19.4 PPR points per game to Lamb’s 16.6, as well.

This upcoming season seemed bit trickier, though. The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on George Pickens who did not sign until just a week ago. There were reports that he wanted a long-term extension or could even be traded, though neither concept materialized. Long story short, the 2026 Cowboys offense should be a carbon copy of 2025 with plenty of points scored between Pickens, Lamb, Dak Prescott and Javonte Williams in the run game.

DENVER BRONCOS

J.K. Dobbins Averaged 15.3 Rush Attempts Per Game Last Season

Despite trading the 30th overall pick for Jaylen Waddle this offseason, there seems to be more questions around the Broncos’ run game. So, let’s talk about it.

In 10 games last season, J.K. Dobbins averaged 15.3 rush attempts per game, which ranks 12th among all players in 2025. Following the foot injury to Dobbins, that left second round rookie, RJ Harvey, at the top of the depth chart. He logged just 12.8 attempts per game for an average of 42.6 rush yards, though increased his role as a pass catcher, as well.

The Broncos were reportedly in the mix for free agents Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr., but ultimately brough back Dobbins on a two-year, $16 million deal with $8 million guaranteed. Given his injury history and the structure of the deal, it makes selecting Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft that much more logical. He is a well-rounded addition to the backfield that can handle the majority of carries if needed in 2026 and could take over the role as the primary ball carrier in 2027.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Jordan Mason Averaged 4.8 Yards Per Carry in 2025

There’s not much to write about when it comes to the 2025 Vikings’ offense. When it comes to 2026 drafts, Justin Jefferson will still be a top guy, Kyler Murray is an interesting late-round quarterback with obvious rushing upside, while T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison remain low-cost, high-upside options if all goes well, too.

What about the run game? Well, the Vikings had far more picks in this year’s draft than last year’s but still waited until the sixth round to select Demond Claiborne of Wake Forest. It appears clear they are prepared to run it back with Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. handling the majority of the touches. Jones is 31 now, but he revised his contract with a $4.4 million pay cut to remain in Minnesota. He has plenty of per-game bonuses baked in.

All of the above sets up Mason to lead the way in carries. His 4.8 yards per carry tied Kyren Williamsfor ninth in the league last season. Mason’s 2.7 yards after contact per attempt ranked ninth, as well. More importantly, his 13.8% explosive run rate ranked fourth behind only De’Von Achane, Blake Corumand Kenneth Walker III. That’s good company. A more efficient offense led by Kyler Murray should open things up more for Mason in 2026.

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets Averaged The Seventh-Fewest Pass Attempts Per Game Last Season

It sounds worse than it is, but the Jets’ 29.1 pass attempts per game was in the bottom tier of teams, among 10 that failed to average 30.0 or more per game. Heading into 2026, head coach Aaron Glenn fired his entire 2025 staff and brought in Frank Reich to be the offensive coordinator. The last time we saw Reich, he was the head coach of the Panthers in Bryce Young’s rookie season. Before that, he spent five seasons as the Colts’ head coach and two seasons prior as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator.

Over his career, Reich has had significant success utilizing tight ends in his offense. As a first-time playcaller with the San Diego Chargers, Reich had a weapon in Antonio Gates. Zach Ertz also logged receiving lines of 78/816/4 and 74/824/8 under Reich on the Eagles. Reich also got the most out of Eric Ebron, who drew 110 targets in 2018 in Reich’s first season as the Colts’ head coach.

Nobody really wants to draft players from the Jets, but that’s what could make them a value. Geno Smith is capable of running an offense and all of the sudden has a handful of targets at his disposal. That includes Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Mason Taylorand rookies Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see how this offense plans to distribute the targets, but Taylor and/or Sadiq may be worth late-round picks given Reich’s success utilizing tight ends.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Christian Mccaffrey Has 2,463 Career Touches

The 49ers’ stud running back is now second on the list of active running backs in total touches behind only Derrick Henry (3,062), who just turned 32 years old. McCaffrey logged a career-high 413 regular season touches with an additional 37 in the playoffs for a career-high 448 total touches in 2025. Surprisingly enough, his 102 receptions led the position, but were not a career high. His 311 rush attempts were, though.

There’s reason to be concerned about drafting McCaffrey in 2026. Not only does he turn 30 next month, but in two previous seasons in which he recorded over 400 total touches (403 in 2019 and 417 in 2023), he played in just three and four games respectively the following year. The addition of Mike Evans may also diminish McCaffrey’s red zone role from the 2025 season in which he led all running backs with 75 red zone rush attempts.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Cam Ward Ranked 12th In Pass Attempts of 20 or More Air Yards

By no means did Cam Ward have a standout rookie season. He completed just 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, the Titans did fire head coach Brian Callahan after just six games. Ward’s weapons also included Calvin Ridley, who broke his leg seven games into the season, tight end Chig Okonkwoand rookie receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.

Heading into 2026, Brian Daboll is taking over as the offensive coordinator in Tennessee. Ward will also have Wan’Dale Robinson and fourth overall pick Carnell Tate, in addition to Ridley, Ayomanor and Dike, in the passing game. Robinson drew exactly 140 targets in each of the last two seasons with the Giants. Tate averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season at Ohio State, as well. Robinson should be a high-volume short yardage weapon while Tate provides an explosive element to what could be a sneaky valuable offense for fantasy football next season.

Full (free) article with discussion for all 32 teams here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/1-fantasy-football-fact-for-all-32-teams

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone. We now know where some of the biggest names of the rookie class will be playing in 2026 and beyond. Some of these players ended up in better situations than others which impacts the rankings a bit. Prior to dynasty rookie drafts, and just as an immediate reaction to the draft, let’s look at which rookies end up in the worst landing spots for fantasy football.

Note: The below are just some rookies mentioned in two free articles on FTN Fantasy's website. Not EVERY rookie is discussed in these articles as some didn't really fall into the "best" or "worst" classification, but somewhere in the middle, like both KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to the Browns.

Feel free to drop in the comments some rookies you're excited or exhausted by where they ended up for some additional discussion on this class. Rookie drafts are underway! Let's go!

Best Landing Spots

Full (free) article here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/best-fantasy-football-landing-spots-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

CARNELL TATE, WR, Tennessee Titans

After much speculation about whether the Titans would draft running back Jeremiyah Love or a defensive player, they end up investing in wide receiver Carnell Tate. This is after Love went to the Cardinals one pick before. Tate should immediately assume the role of the top target for Cam Ward in new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s offense.

Last season, Ward attempted the 12^(th)-most passes to travel 20 or more yards through the air. Tate is one of the best receivers in the class at tracking the deep ball exemplified by his 17.2 yards per reception at Ohio State last season. Ward’s top targeted pass catchers during his rookie season were Elic Ayomanor (89 targets), Chig Okonkwo (79) and Chimere Dike (74). Tate and free agent signing Wan’Dale Robinson are significant upgrades to Ward’s development and the progression of this offense. There is an opportunity for high volume and big play potential from the start of Tate’s career.

ANTONIO WILLIAMS, WR, Washington Commanders

The Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick then did not make another selection until 71^(st) overall. They took Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams, who should be busy right away. Not only is Terry McLaurin turning 31 in September, but behind him on the depth chart are Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.

There’s an easy pathway for Williams to earning targets from Jayden Daniels especially in a new offense, run by David Blough, that clearly prioritized drafting him with the team’s second pick. Williams has an opportunity to feast in the slot considering Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz, who ran 225 (58.9%) and 194 (58.6%) routes from the slot last season, are no longer on the team.

Worst Landing Spots

Full (free) article here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/worst-fantasy-football-landing-spots-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

GERMIE BERNARD, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

After trading for DK Metcalf in 2025 and signing him to a five-year extension, the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason and signed him to a new three-year deal. Spending the 47^(th) overall pick on Germie Bernard solidifies a strong wide receiver trio, which is significant considering the team logged the third-fewest targets to the position last season. This is also after the Steelers were prepared to use the 21^(st) overall pick on Makai Lemon until the Eagles traded up to 20^(th) overall and snagged him instead.

Bernard is one of the most dangerous players after the catch from this draft class. He can line up out wide or in the slot, as well. It’s just tough to imagine a significant enough role alongside Metcalf and Pittman that makes Bernard a high-upside target in any fantasy football format aside from best ball. That’s without knowing if Aaron Rodgers or some combination of Will Howard, rookie Drew Allar or another not yet on the roster are starting at quarterback for this team in 2026 and beyond. Bernard is a fun player, but his pre-draft upside feels capped with this landing spot.

CHRIS BRAZZELL II, WR, Carolina Panthers

Carolina adds a field stretcher at 83^(rd) overall with Chris Brazzell II from the University of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver surpassed 1,000 yards last season with an average of 16.4 yards per reception. He adds an element to the Panthers’ offense that was missing last season and is crucial to incorporate into quarterback Bryce Young’s game at the pro level.

Unfortunately for Brazzell, until we see Young push the ball downfield more consistently, this landing spot is extremely volatile for fantasy football purposes. Last season, Young’s deep throw rate (8.2%) ranked 34^(th) among 38 qualified quarterbacks. As strong of a season as rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan had, he caught just eight passes that traveled 20 or more yards through the air.

Again, perhaps the addition of Brazzell opens up a new avenue of attack for the Young-led Panthers. It certainly won’t burn you to take him in the second round of a rookie dynasty draft. However, the intention behind the pick and the skillset Brazzell brings to Carolina may never reach its full potential.

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone. We now know where some of the biggest names of the rookie class will be playing in 2026 and beyond. Some of these players ended up in better situations than others which impacts the rankings a bit. Prior to dynasty rookie drafts, and just as an immediate reaction to the draft, let’s look at which rookies end up in the worst landing spots for fantasy football.

Note: The below are just some rookies mentioned in two free articles on FTN Fantasy's website. Not EVERY rookie is discussed in these articles as some didn't really fall into the "best" or "worst" classification, but somewhere in the middle, like both KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to the Browns.

Feel free to drop in the comments some rookies you're excited or exhausted by where they ended up for some additional discussion on this class. Rookie drafts are underway! Let's go!

Best Landing Spots

Full (free) article here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/best-fantasy-football-landing-spots-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

CARNELL TATE, WR, Tennessee Titans

After much speculation about whether the Titans would draft running back Jeremiyah Love or a defensive player, they end up investing in wide receiver Carnell Tate. This is after Love went to the Cardinals one pick before. Tate should immediately assume the role of the top target for Cam Ward in new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s offense.

Last season, Ward attempted the 12^(th)-most passes to travel 20 or more yards through the air. Tate is one of the best receivers in the class at tracking the deep ball exemplified by his 17.2 yards per reception at Ohio State last season. Ward’s top targeted pass catchers during his rookie season were Elic Ayomanor (89 targets), Chig Okonkwo (79) and Chimere Dike (74). Tate and free agent signing Wan’Dale Robinson are significant upgrades to Ward’s development and the progression of this offense. There is an opportunity for high volume and big play potential from the start of Tate’s career.

ANTONIO WILLIAMS, WR, Washington Commanders

The Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick then did not make another selection until 71^(st) overall. They took Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams, who should be busy right away. Not only is Terry McLaurin turning 31 in September, but behind him on the depth chart are Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.

There’s an easy pathway for Williams to earning targets from Jayden Daniels especially in a new offense, run by David Blough, that clearly prioritized drafting him with the team’s second pick. Williams has an opportunity to feast in the slot considering Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz, who ran 225 (58.9%) and 194 (58.6%) routes from the slot last season, are no longer on the team.

Worst Landing Spots

Full (free) article here: https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/worst-fantasy-football-landing-spots-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

GERMIE BERNARD, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

After trading for DK Metcalf in 2025 and signing him to a five-year extension, the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason and signed him to a new three-year deal. Spending the 47^(th) overall pick on Germie Bernard solidifies a strong wide receiver trio, which is significant considering the team logged the third-fewest targets to the position last season. This is also after the Steelers were prepared to use the 21^(st) overall pick on Makai Lemon until the Eagles traded up to 20^(th) overall and snagged him instead.

Bernard is one of the most dangerous players after the catch from this draft class. He can line up out wide or in the slot, as well. It’s just tough to imagine a significant enough role alongside Metcalf and Pittman that makes Bernard a high-upside target in any fantasy football format aside from best ball. That’s without knowing if Aaron Rodgers or some combination of Will Howard, rookie Drew Allar or another not yet on the roster are starting at quarterback for this team in 2026 and beyond. Bernard is a fun player, but his pre-draft upside feels capped with this landing spot.

CHRIS BRAZZELL II, WR, Carolina Panthers

Carolina adds a field stretcher at 83^(rd) overall with Chris Brazzell II from the University of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver surpassed 1,000 yards last season with an average of 16.4 yards per reception. He adds an element to the Panthers’ offense that was missing last season and is crucial to incorporate into quarterback Bryce Young’s game at the pro level.

Unfortunately for Brazzell, until we see Young push the ball downfield more consistently, this landing spot is extremely volatile for fantasy football purposes. Last season, Young’s deep throw rate (8.2%) ranked 34^(th) among 38 qualified quarterbacks. As strong of a season as rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan had, he caught just eight passes that traveled 20 or more yards through the air.

Again, perhaps the addition of Brazzell opens up a new avenue of attack for the Young-led Panthers. It certainly won’t burn you to take him in the second round of a rookie dynasty draft. However, the intention behind the pick and the skillset Brazzell brings to Carolina may never reach its full potential.