1st sneak peek at 2026 Rams schedule offers fans plenty of costly optimism

The Los Angeles Rams faced one of the toughest schedules in the NFL in 2025, and still managed to emerge with a solid 12-5 record. While an NFL team can only defeat the teams they face over the course of the season, no two teams are created equal in terms of statistical measures.

It was clear early in the season that Los Angeles was getting the best of some incredibly talented teams. But as the season wore on, its offense got stronger as opposing teams' defenses became weaker.

The Rams are blessed in 2026 for two reasons. The first is the team having one extra home game. That is, in its 2026 schedule, LA will be the designated home team for nine games. Designated, because the team has already learned that one home game will be played in Melbourne, Australia, and will pit the Horns against division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.

The second reason is that while the team will play two games against NFC West Division rivals, one against teams from the AFC West and NFC East Divisions, the team will round out the schedule by playing second-place teams from three other NFL divisions. From an early vantage point, the schedule lines up less difficult than that of 2025.

How does Rams schedule line up in terms of home or away in 2026?

The LA Rams will face the NFL teams in 2026:

Home games

• Arizona Cardinals
• Seattle Seahawks
• San Francisco 49ers (in Australia)
• Dallas Cowboys
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Los Angeles Chargers
• New York Giants
• Buffalo Bills (2nd place)
• Green Bay Packers (2nd place)

Away games

• Arizona Cardinals
• Seattle Seahawks
• San Francisco 49ers
• Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Commanders
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2nd place)

Two things jump out at this early 2026 schedule framework. Except for the Philadelphia Eagles, LA is rather insulated from the wintry worst that could happen from a travel game late in the season. And two of the most distant teams, the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, will play at SoFi Stadium.

Of course, no playoffs are repeated. There seems to be several postseason competitors that fall out of the playoffs the following year. So far, the LA Rams have avoided the slump. But team that did compete for the right to compete in Super Bowl LX are not assured of even making the postseaosn in 2026.

The teams opposing Los Angeles are certainly beatable. Now the team must restock the roster well enough to win those games.

As always, thanks for reading.