Few games can take top billing quite like a matchup against a player or coach facing off against his former team. Which revenge games are on the docket for the 2026 schedule?
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III battles the defending champions
It’s not every season that the defending champions play against the Super Bowl MVP from their title run. But that’s what is on tap for the Seahawks, who will try to stop running back Kenneth Walker III after the star rusher bolted for the Chiefs.
New Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis plays the Packers
Malik Willis relaunched his career in Green Bay, turning the promise he showed as Jordan Love’s backup into a starting role with the Dolphins. Can Willis defeat Love in this interconference matchup?
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins takes on the Falcons
Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins won’t admit any animosity toward Atlanta, but the lingering tension between the Falcons and Cousins could make this a very intriguing team if Cousins is still QB1 at this point. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. immediately after signing Cousins, and eventually benched Cousins for Penix in 2024.
Top free agent Trey Hendrickson returns to Cincinnati
We are guaranteed to have two matchups of Trey Hendrickson against the embattled Cincinnati offensive line, and Hendrickson will have plenty of opportunities to prove the Bengals should have signed him to a long-term deal. Hendrickson joined the Ravens in free agency after the Ravens’ trade for Maxx Crosby fell through.
Browns HC Todd Monken aims to stop Lamar Jackson, Baltimore
A coach revenge game! Todd Monken did not get the Ravens’ head coaching job when John Harbaugh was dismissed, and he ended up at the helm of the Ravens’ AFC North rivals in Cleveland instead. I’ll be interested to see how Monken plans to stop Lamar Jackson, who he helped win a second MVP in 2023.