2026 NFL schedule: Cowboys, Seahawks among 5 teams facing toughest slates

As we enter the 2026 season, many NFL fans are bracing themselves for a tough road ahead. The latest schedule releases have revealed some of the most daunting matchups for teams in recent years.

To put things into perspective, here are the toughest strength of schedules for five NFL teams over the past five seasons:

* Bears: Chicago faced the second-toughest SOS heading into last season, with a combined record of 32-52-1 * Cowboys: Dallas traveled to Brazil for their Week 3 game against Lamar Jackson, and will face three more road games on the next four weeks * Lions: Detroit will play seven games against teams that made the playoffs last season, including NFC West opponents * Browns: Cleveland will face a tough schedule in the AFC North, with six of its first nine games against division foes * Steelers: Pittsburgh is set to open its 2026 season as the designated home team in Australia, playing four of its first five contests at home

These teams have all faced significant adversity on their schedules in recent years, and it's likely that they will face even tougher matchups this season. The schedule-makers are taking no chances, with a total of seven prime-time games in each of the first 11 weeks.

While some teams may be able to withstand these challenges, others may not. The NFL is known for its unpredictability, and there are many factors that can impact a team's performance on the schedule.

For example, the Rams will have a tough road trip to Australia in Week 11, and their final seven games could prove to be a test of their resilience. And while they may have had success in previous seasons, it remains to be seen if this year will be different.

Ultimately, the NFL's schedules are designed to keep teams on their toes and push them to perform at their best. As we enter the 2026 season, fans can expect a thrilling ride as these teams take on some of the toughest opponents in the league.