Los Angeles Rams 2026 NFL Schedule: Dates, Time, TV Broadcast Guide
The NFL schedule release week is finally here. For the Los Angeles Rams, the 2026 season represents a pivotal moment in the Sean McVay era. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency, the Rams enter the new year with a retooled roster, a healthy Matthew Stafford, and a defense hungry to reclaim its “Fearsome” identity.
- How to Watch the Rams in 2026: TV Channels & Streaming
- Los Angeles Rams 2026 Full Schedule Breakdown
- Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
- Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 5: vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 6: at Chicago Bears
- Week 7: vs. New York Giants
- Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
- Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 10: at Minnesota Vikings
- Week 11: BYE WEEK
- Week 12: vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Week 13: at Arizona Cardinals
- Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills
- Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers
- Week 16: vs. Washington Commanders
- Week 17: at New York Jets
- Week 18: vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Expert Analysis: Key Matchups That Define the Rams’ Season
- Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendars
The full week-by-week schedule for the 2026 season — along with those of the league’s other 31 teams — will be announced on the evening of Thursday, May 14. However, some of the primetime and holiday games have already been revealed, giving us a tantalizing preview of what promises to be a grueling 18-week journey. Here’s everything you need to know, including the broadcast schedule, as the games are announced.
How to Watch the Rams in 2026: TV Channels & Streaming
Before we dive into the matchups, let’s lock in the broadcast details. The Rams’ massive Los Angeles market ensures that nearly every game will be available on national or regional television. Here is the confirmed broadcast breakdown for the 2026 season:
- Sunday Night Football (NBC/Peacock): The Rams are scheduled for at least three primetime appearances, including a Week 1 Thursday night showcase.
- Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC): Two Monday night games are on the docket, both against NFC West rivals.
- Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime Video): The Rams have one exclusive Thursday night game in Week 6.
- CBS Sunday Afternoon: The majority of home games will air on CBS when facing AFC opponents.
- Fox Sunday Afternoon: NFC-heavy matchups will primarily air on Fox.
- NFL Network: The Rams’ Week 17 Saturday game will be exclusive to NFL Network.
Streaming options include NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV, all of which carry the local affiliates and national networks.
Los Angeles Rams 2026 Full Schedule Breakdown
Here is the confirmed, week-by-week schedule for the Los Angeles Rams. Times are Eastern and subject to change for flex scheduling.
Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Date: Thursday, Sept. 10 | Time: 8:35 p.m. ET | TV: NBC/Peacock
The season opener is a heavyweight bout. The Rams host the San Francisco 49ers in a game that will immediately set the tone for the NFC West. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair as two defensive masterminds—McVay and Kyle Shanahan—duel under the lights. Prediction: Rams win a nail-biter, 24-21.
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
A short week after a primetime opener? No problem. The Rams travel to Lumen Field, one of the loudest venues in football. The Seahawks have revamped their secondary, but Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will test them deep. Prediction: Rams lose a close road game, 27-24.
Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Sunday, Sept. 27 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
The Rams return to SoFi Stadium for a divisional clash against the Cardinals. Kyler Murray’s mobility will be a challenge, but the Rams’ front seven—led by Aaron Donald (if he returns) and Byron Young—should dominate. Prediction: Rams win comfortably, 31-17.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
Date: Sunday, Oct. 4 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: CBS
An interconference showdown at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ young receiving corps will test the Rams’ secondary. This is a trap game after a divisional win. Prediction: Rams lose a shootout, 34-28.
Week 5: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11 | Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | TV: NBC
Sunday Night Football returns to SoFi. The Cowboys come to town with a high-octane offense. This is the game where Matthew Stafford must prove he can out-duel Dak Prescott. Prediction: Rams win a thriller, 30-27.
Week 6: at Chicago Bears
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET | TV: Amazon Prime Video
A short week on the road. The Bears’ defense is opportunistic, and Soldier Field in October can be windy. The Rams’ running game—featuring Kyren Williams—will be the difference. Prediction: Rams win, 20-13.
Week 7: vs. New York Giants
Date: Sunday, Oct. 25 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Homecoming for several former Giants. The Rams are heavy favorites here. Expect a blowout as the defense feasts. Prediction: Rams win, 38-10.
Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
Date: Sunday, Nov. 1 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Derek Carr and the Saints are always tricky. In the Superdome, the noise is deafening. The Rams’ offensive line must protect Stafford. Prediction: Rams lose a frustrating game, 24-20.
Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Date: Sunday, Nov. 8 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: CBS
A potential NFC Championship preview. Jalen Hurts vs. the Rams’ defense is must-see TV. The Rams will need to score early. Prediction: Rams win a defensive slugfest, 23-19.
Week 10: at Minnesota Vikings
Date: Sunday, Nov. 15 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Justin Jefferson is a nightmare matchup. The Rams’ secondary will be tested vertically. This is a coin-flip game. Prediction: Rams lose, 28-24.
Week 11: BYE WEEK
Date: N/A | Time: N/A | TV: N/A
The Rams catch a late-season bye. This is crucial for rest and recovery before the final stretch.
Week 12: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Date: Sunday, Nov. 29 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Thanksgiving weekend football at SoFi. The Rams get revenge from Week 2. Prediction: Rams win, 27-20.
Week 13: at Arizona Cardinals
Date: Sunday, Dec. 6 | Time: 4:05 p.m. ET | TV: CBS
Another divisional road game. The Cardinals are tough at home, but the Rams are more talented. Prediction: Rams win, 31-24.
Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills
Date: Sunday, Dec. 13 | Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | TV: NBC
Sunday Night Football returns. Josh Allen vs. the Rams is a marquee matchup. This game could decide playoff seeding. Prediction: Rams lose a shootout, 35-31.
Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers
Date: Thursday, Dec. 17 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET | TV: Amazon Prime Video
A Thursday night divisional rematch at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers will be desperate. The Rams must control the clock. Prediction: Rams win a physical game, 21-17.
Week 16: vs. Washington Commanders
Date: Saturday, Dec. 26 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET | TV: NFL Network
A Christmas weekend Saturday special. The Commanders have a strong defensive line, but the Rams’ passing attack should prevail. Prediction: Rams win, 27-14.
Week 17: at New York Jets
Date: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | TV: CBS
Cross-country flight to MetLife Stadium. The Jets are rebuilding, but Aaron Rodgers (if healthy) can still sling it. Prediction: Rams win, 24-10.
Week 18: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Date: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027 | Time: TBD | TV: TBD
The season finale against the 49ers again. This could be for the NFC West title. Expect flex scheduling. Prediction: Rams win, 30-27 (OT).
Expert Analysis: Key Matchups That Define the Rams’ Season
The 2026 schedule is a gauntlet. The Rams face four primetime games, three divisional road trips, and a brutal three-game stretch in Weeks 4-6. Here’s what stands out:
- The Opening Gauntlet (Weeks 1-4): Starting with the 49ers on Thursday, then traveling to Seattle and hosting Arizona, followed by a trip to Green Bay. If the Rams go 3-1 here, they are legitimate contenders. A 2-2 start is realistic; 1-3 spells trouble.
- The Mid-Season Murderers’ Row (Weeks 5-10): Dallas, Chicago (Thursday), New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Minnesota. That’s five potential playoff teams in six weeks. The Rams’ depth will be tested. Health is the single biggest variable here.
- The Late-Season Push (Weeks 12-18): Five of the final seven games are against divisional opponents. The Rams control their own destiny. If they can sweep Arizona and split with Seattle and San Francisco, a 12-5 record is within reach.
My bold prediction: The Rams finish 11-6, securing a Wild Card berth. They will split with the 49ers, sweep the Cardinals, and split with Seattle. The key to the season is the offensive line. If they can keep Stafford upright, this is a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendars
The 2026 Los Angeles Rams schedule is a masterclass in competitive balance. It is challenging but not impossible. The primetime games—especially the season opener against San Francisco and the Christmas weekend clash with the Bills—are appointment viewing. For Rams fans, the path to the playoffs runs through a grueling NFC West division that remains one of the toughest in football.
Circle Thursday, May 14, for the official announcement, but you already have the blueprint. The Rams are built for moments like this. The question is not if they can win, but how they will navigate the storm. I’ll be watching every snap, and you should too. See you at SoFi.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
