Mahomes and Momentum: Winners and Losers From the 2026 NFL Schedule Release

Eric Edholm’s analysis of the 2026 NFL schedule highlights winners (Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs with extra rehab time and a favorable early slate, plus the Jets’ Aaron Glenn, the Packers, the Eagles, and the Saints) and losers (San Francisco 49ers with a tough post–Mexico stretch, Bears coach Ben Johnson facing numerous short weeks, the Dolphins with a brutal late-season schedule, and Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur in a challenging NFC West start), emphasizing how travel, rest, and primetime games shape which teams and coaches may thrive next season.