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The 2026 NFL season arrives with plenty of questions across the league. However, several teams have schedules that could create early momentum. A strong September can change the entire outlook for a season. It can also give new coaches and quarterbacks valuable confidence. Some contenders face difficult opponents right away. Others have several winnable games before the schedule becomes tougher. Here are five teams that could race to strong starts in 2026.
- Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens might have the best early schedule in football. That could help new head coach Jesse Minter settle into his job. Baltimore opens against the Indianapolis Colts on September 13. The Ravens then host the New Orleans Saints one week later. After that, Baltimore travels to face the Dallas Cowboys. The game takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ravens then host the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. Atlanta follows with a Sunday night matchup in Week 5. Baltimore’s first seven opponents missed the 2025 playoffs. Those teams combined for only 43 wins last season. That gives Lamar Jackson and company an excellent opportunity. A 4-1 start looks realistic if the Ravens stay healthy.
- Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers also have a chance to start quickly. Los Angeles opens at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Then, the Las Vegas Raiders visit SoFi Stadium in Week 2. Those two games could give the Chargers an early 2-0 record. The schedule gets tougher after that point. Los Angeles visits Buffalo and Seattle during the next two weeks. The Chargers then host Denver in Week 5. That stretch will provide a much stronger test. Still, Jim Harbaugh has already produced two straight 11-win seasons. Justin Herbert also enters another season with plenty of expectations. The Chargers added Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator. His offense could unlock another level from Herbert. Therefore, a fast start could put Los Angeles into contention early.
- Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia has another schedule that could create early momentum. The Eagles open against the Washington Commanders at home. They then travel to Tennessee for Week 2. Chicago follows with a Monday night road game. Then, Philadelphia hosts the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. That fourth game could become the biggest early test. Still, the Eagles have enough talent to handle the stretch. Jalen Hurts remains one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. Philadelphia also continues to boast a talented defensive unit. The Eagles finished 11-6 last season. They also remain among the NFC’s strongest contenders. Their fifth game comes against Jacksonville in London. That matchup gives Philadelphia another chance to build momentum. If the Eagles start 4-1, the NFC should take notice.
- Green Bay Packers
Green Bay could also make plenty of noise early. The Packers begin the season against Minnesota on the road. That division matchup immediately provides a serious challenge. However, the schedule softens afterward. Green Bay visits the New York Jets in Week 2. The Atlanta Falcons then visit Lambeau Field on Thursday night. Next, the Packers travel to Tampa Bay. Chicago comes to Green Bay for Week 5. That game could create another important division test. Green Bay finished 9-7-1 last season and reached the playoffs. The Packers also made several moves to improve their roster. The biggest addition came along the defensive front. Green Bay acquired star pass rusher Micah Parsons. However, Parsons faces injury concerns heading into the season. That situation could influence the Packers’ early defensive performance. Still, this team has enough talent to start fast.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville presents a more interesting choice. The Jaguars won the AFC South last season. They also face several difficult opponents during their opening stretch. Jacksonville starts against Cleveland at home. That gives the Jaguars a favorable opportunity in Week 1. Denver follows on the road in Week 2. The Broncos finished 14-3 last season, so that game matters. New England then visits Jacksonville in Week 3. The Patriots also finished 14-3 last season. Cincinnati follows in Week 4. Philadelphia then awaits in London. So, why include Jacksonville? The Jaguars have already shown they can handle pressure. They also get Cleveland at home to start the season. A 3-1 record would give Jacksonville tremendous confidence. It would also position the Jaguars well before their London games. Still, Jacksonville faces one of the league’s tougher opening stretches. That makes a fast start even more impressive.
Which Team Starts Fastest?
Baltimore has the clearest path to an excellent start. The Ravens face no 2025 playoff team through their first seven games. Philadelphia also has a strong opportunity to build momentum. The Chargers could make noise if they win their first two games. Green Bay has several winnable games after Minnesota. Meanwhile, Jacksonville faces the toughest challenge among these five teams. Ultimately, early success depends on more than the schedule. Health, turnovers, and quarterback play will decide plenty of games. Still, these five teams have legitimate reasons for optimism. If they execute early, each team could race out of the gate. And in the NFL, early momentum can become extremely valuable later.
I want to see which teams gets off to the fastest start out of the five above or will it be another team.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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