The 2026 NFL schedule was revealed last Thursday. Now that analysts have had a week to review the 18-week schedule, which includes a record number of nine international games, some believe the Los Angeles Rams got the beat early.
This has become a common talking point as fans have had a chance to digest the team's schedule revelations on social media. It turns out, this isn't just another Los Angeles conspiracy theory, this idea has spread among NFL insiders as well.
comes from the latest Sports IllustratedThe Wednesday edition of Albert Breuer's weekly mailbag which answers questions submitted by readers. One question asked, "Does it feel like some teams are penalized for being popular when the schedule is made?"
Breyer's response: "Sure, Joey. Look at the Chiefs' schedule in 2024 and '25 and the Rams' schedule in 2026."
Breyer referenced a column by his SI colleague Connor Orr, who previously wrote that the Rams "screwed up" with their 2026 slate.
"This schedule is absurd. Seven prime-time games. A season opener in Melbourne, Australia. One of the worst net rest differentials in the NFL. Four 2025 playoff teams in the first five weeks. Thanksgiving Eve. Christmas in prime time against the Seahawks. Two Seahawks games in three weeks to end the season. This, for a team with a 38-year-old starting quarterback that got through training camp last year without a space-age fitness trailer." This is how the NFL inadvertently beat the Chiefs last year and it appears to be attempting to do so again with the Rams. That's why Sean McVay cautioned ESPN to hold their horses when talking about the Seattle games at the end of the season because it's unlikely the Rams will get there unscathed, but it's disappointing to see the league's premier offense completely sidelined by those factors. “Completely under the control of the league.”
SI's Connor Orr on the Rams' schedule
Obviously, the league tries to put the NFL's best teams in primetime slots. The Rams are expected to be a Super Bowl contender, so seven primetime games should be no surprise.
Other obstacles, such as playing in Australia or being the two-time defending Super Bowl champions in the final weeks of the season, are also a result of the team's popularity and overall expectations, where the league tries to save important divisional matchups for late in the season when it seems at every moment that playoff status is on the line.
Ultimately, if teams like the Rams can overcome a tough challenge, it means they are truly one of the best teams in the NFL. But this won't be proven until the playoffs arrive. First things first, the Rams have to get there, and it won't be easy.
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