It takes roughly 90 minutes to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and even less by private jet. So it's both ironic and a sign of the times that the 49ers and Rams flew nearly 8,000 miles to open their season with a mid-morning tilt in Melbourne, Australia — the longest road trip in NFL history and first of nine international games across an all-time season for league travel.
The 49ers, who will cover a record 37,900 miles and 58 time zones across 18 weeks, flew into Melbourne a week early to minimize travel fatigue and sleep loss. The Rams went the other way, landing just 28 hours before kickoff to keep their body clocks aligned with late evening California time — a choice they may regret after a 27-7 loss that had "jet lag" trending at the title favorites' expense.
Those types of decisions can influence games, as do those made by NFL executives in an effort to expand the league's footprint across the calendar and globe. This year, teams will travel a combined 632,000 miles in the most demanding season of all time. A record 110 of 272 games feature a rest advantage, and an expected 59 prime-time games are one shy of last year's high with six more slated for the early morning.
That’s why I created the NFL Fatigue Index, a comprehensive metric to evaluate the fatigue burden imposed by the NFL schedule. I spent over 100 hours examining the science behind and modeling the effects of travel fatigue, sleep disruption, circadian misalignment, and rest for all 32 teams across all 272 games to determine which teams are hit hardest by the schedule — and which schedule spots are worth tracking ahead of time.
What is the NFL Fatigue Index?
The NFL Fatigue Index estimates the fatigue burden each team’s schedule creates across the regular season.
Last year, I set out to create a first-of-its-kind metric that measured the true inequities of the NFL schedule based on travel, rest, and environmental factors. But new research has challenged old assumptions: Tenan, Rezai, and Vigotsky (2025) found no clear effect of time-zone travel on road teams’ chances of covering the spread across 6,245 college football games, while Stergiopoulos (2025) and Talpey (2026) added evidence on travel-related sleep loss and postgame physical recovery, respectively.
So I returned to the Schedule Lab™ and relitigated the fatigue science from top to bottom — using AI to canvass the internet for any available research across sports science that could help explain a team’s schedule burden. After vetting more than a dozen potential fatigue factors, I rebuilt last year’s fatigue model around four factors supported by research that contribute to in-season burden: travel fatigue, sleep disruption, circadian misalignment, and physical recovery.
While other publications focus on travel miles as a proxy for schedule difficulty, the NFL Fatigue Index is designed to take a holistic view of schedule-induced burdens without overweighting readily available stats (like miles traveled) or discounting scientifically backed fatigue factors that are hard to project (like projected sleep loss and physical weariness). The ultimate goal is to answer a simple question: which teams are hurt (or helped) the most by the inequities of the NFL schedule across 18 weeks? And where are their toughest schedule spots?
2026 NFL Fatigue Index rankings
All 32 teams ranked from toughest to lightest schedule; click on a team's factor breakdown to see what drives their season fatigue score.
| Rank | Team | Season fatigue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Texans | 96.4 |
Recovery22.4 | 4th of 32 Sleep32.4 | 6th of 32 Circadian24.7 | 4th of 32 Travel16.9 | 10th of 32 | ||
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers | 96.2 |
Recovery14.5 | 18th of 32 Sleep52.2 | 1st of 32 Circadian20.6 | 5th of 32 Travel9.0 | 31st of 32 | ||
| 3 | Los Angeles Chargers | 93.9 |
Recovery17.0 | 13th of 32 Sleep40.3 | 3rd of 32 Circadian28.1 | 3rd of 32 Travel8.5 | 32nd of 32 | ||
| 4 | New Orleans Saints | 91.9 |
Recovery8.8 | 27th of 32 Sleep33.4 | 5th of 32 Circadian31.2 | 2nd of 32 Travel18.6 | 5th of 32 | ||
| 5 | Las Vegas Raiders | 90.1 |
Recovery8.4 | 30th of 32 Sleep36.9 | 4th of 32 Circadian32.5 | 1st of 32 Travel12.4 | 26th of 32 | ||
| 6 | New England Patriots | 88.4 |
Recovery22.8 | 3rd of 32 Sleep31.5 | 7th of 32 Circadian19.6 | 6th of 32 Travel14.5 | 18th of 32 | ||
| 7 | Los Angeles Rams | 87.7 |
Recovery8.7 | 28th of 32 Sleep49.1 | 2nd of 32 Circadian19.5 | 7th of 32 Travel10.4 | 30th of 32 | ||
| 8 | Denver Broncos | 83.3 |
Recovery19.9 | 8th of 32 Sleep23.7 | 13th of 32 Circadian18.5 | 8th of 32 Travel21.2 | 3rd of 32 | ||
| 9 | Philadelphia Eagles | 78.7 |
Recovery19.5 | 9th of 32 Sleep29.8 | 8th of 32 Circadian17.3 | 10th of 32 Travel12.2 | 27th of 32 | ||
| 10 | Seattle Seahawks | 76.6 |
Recovery17.9 | 11th of 32 Sleep27.8 | 12th of 32 Circadian18.1 | 9th of 32 Travel12.8 | 24th of 32 | ||
| 11 | Detroit Lions | 75.0 |
Recovery20.5 | 7th of 32 Sleep28.9 | 10th of 32 Circadian13.0 | 15th of 32 Travel12.5 | 25th of 32 | ||
| 12 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 73.7 |
Recovery12.0 | 24th of 32 Sleep29.6 | 9th of 32 Circadian13.2 | 13th of 32 Travel18.8 | 4th of 32 | ||
| 13 | Washington Commanders | 73.2 |
Recovery12.4 | 22nd of 32 Sleep28.6 | 11th of 32 Circadian17.0 | 11th of 32 Travel15.3 | 14th of 32 | ||
| 14 | Atlanta Falcons | 64.5 |
Recovery12.3 | 23rd of 32 Sleep22.9 | 14th of 32 Circadian13.2 | 14th of 32 Travel16.2 | 12th of 32 | ||
| 15 | Chicago Bears | 64.3 |
Recovery26.3 | 1st of 32 Sleep14.6 | 25th of 32 Circadian8.6 | 19th of 32 Travel14.9 | 15th of 32 | ||
| 16 | Buffalo Bills | 63.8 |
Recovery21.3 | 5th of 32 Sleep21.2 | 17th of 32 Circadian3.3 | 24th of 32 Travel18.0 | 7th of 32 | ||
| 17 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 62.2 |
Recovery17.4 | 12th of 32 Sleep20.5 | 19th of 32 Circadian12.7 | 18th of 32 Travel11.6 | 29th of 32 | ||
| 18 | Indianapolis Colts | 60.0 |
Recovery13.0 | 21st of 32 Sleep21.0 | 18th of 32 Circadian12.9 | 16th of 32 Travel13.0 | 23rd of 32 | ||
| 19 | Kansas City Chiefs | 59.3 |
Recovery14.0 | 20th of 32 Sleep22.8 | 15th of 32 Circadian6.5 | 20th of 32 Travel16.0 | 13th of 32 | ||
| 20 | Arizona Cardinals | 58.8 |
Recovery7.3 | 31st of 32 Sleep17.9 | 22nd of 32 Circadian16.5 | 12th of 32 Travel17.1 | 9th of 32 | ||
| 21 | Dallas Cowboys | 57.9 |
Recovery20.8 | 6th of 32 Sleep18.8 | 21st of 32 Circadian4.4 | 22nd of 32 Travel14.0 | 19th of 32 | ||
| 22 | Cincinnati Bengals | 57.2 |
Recovery9.8 | 25th of 32 Sleep21.2 | 16th of 32 Circadian12.9 | 17th of 32 Travel13.2 | 22nd of 32 | ||
| 23 | Miami Dolphins | 53.7 |
Recovery8.6 | 29th of 32 Sleep19.3 | 20th of 32 Circadian0.2 | 28th of 32 Travel25.7 | 1st of 32 | ||
| 24 | Green Bay Packers | 52.8 |
Recovery23.5 | 2nd of 32 Sleep10.4 | 27th of 32 Circadian4.2 | 23rd of 32 Travel14.7 | 16th of 32 | ||
| 25 | New York Giants | 51.4 |
Recovery14.2 | 19th of 32 Sleep16.2 | 23rd of 32 Circadian3.0 | 25th of 32 Travel18.0 | 6th of 32 | ||
| 26 | Tennessee Titans | 47.0 |
Recovery9.7 | 26th of 32 Sleep14.0 | 26th of 32 Circadian6.5 | 21st of 32 Travel16.8 | 11th of 32 | ||
| 27 | New York Jets | 45.4 |
Recovery6.2 | 32nd of 32 Sleep15.0 | 24th of 32 Circadian0.0 | T-30th of 32 Travel24.3 | 2nd of 32 | ||
| 28 | Baltimore Ravens | 39.4 |
Recovery19.4 | 10th of 32 Sleep6.2 | 29th of 32 Circadian0.0 | T-30th of 32 Travel13.8 | 21st of 32 | ||
| 29 | Minnesota Vikings | 37.8 |
Recovery15.2 | 14th of 32 Sleep6.9 | 28th of 32 Circadian1.6 | 26th of 32 Travel14.0 | 20th of 32 | ||
| 30 | Cleveland Browns | 35.9 |
Recovery14.9 | 15th of 32 Sleep3.4 | 32nd of 32 Circadian0.0 | T-30th of 32 Travel17.6 | 8th of 32 | ||
| 31 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 33.7 |
Recovery14.6 | 16th of 32 Sleep4.3 | 31st of 32 Circadian0.3 | 27th of 32 Travel14.5 | 17th of 32 | ||
| 32 | Carolina Panthers | 32.1 |
Recovery14.5 | 17th of 32 Sleep5.5 | 30th of 32 Circadian0.1 | 29th of 32 Travel11.9 | 28th of 32 | ||
Which teams have the toughest NFL schedules?
The Fatigue Index rankings show one sum total of a team's progressive fatigue burden, but it's only one part of the equation. Some teams pay the price with a single taxing trip, while others are battered by waves of short rest and cross-country flights.
So we built an interactive graphic that shows how every team's schedule compares across all 18 weeks in total and relative fatigue burden, as well as the four fatigue factors. Click on any game to see how both sides are affected in each matchup.
Explore the NFL Schedule Lab
Traditionally, strength of schedule is almost entirely about who you play. But the NFL schedule can make very different demands on teams before they ever reach kickoff: the trip to get there, the time of day they play, the sleep they lose along the way, and how much time they have to recover from the week before.
That's the side of schedule difficulty the Fatigue Index is designed to measure. Using our NFL Schedule Lab, you can compare all 32 teams' fatigue factors against other aspects of the NFL schedule, including our custom market-adjusted strength of schedule based on Kalshi win totals and individual game markets. Click on any team to see a full breakdown of their schedule and per-game burden.
Houston has a travel problem
The Houston Texans rank No. 1 in season fatigue with their Week 6 game against Jacksonville causing the largest single-game burden for the league's most fatigued team in 2026.
Houston carries a 37.4-point projected fatigue burden into London, compared with just 5.8 for Jacksonville — even though both teams will play in the same stadium at the same time. The difference is what happens beforehand: the Jaguars play in London the previous week and are assumed to stay overseas, giving them another week to adjust before Houston arrives. Jacksonville's side of the matchup ranks 125th among all 544 team-game projections; Houston's ranks second.
West Coast teams bear the brunt of early kickoffs
San Francisco is the clearest example of the West Coast problem. The 49ers rank second overall and lead the NFL with an estimated 37,900 travel miles, including trips to Melbourne and Mexico City, while also carrying the league's highest sleep-disruption burden. Neither international game is even their toughest fatigue spot.
The Rams aren't far behind. Los Angeles ranks seventh in fatigue, travels an estimated 35,000 miles, and leads the NFL with seven scheduled prime-time games. Melbourne gets the attention, but a Week 4 trip to Philadelphia actually creates more projected burden.
The pattern exists beyond those two teams: all four of the NFL's true West Coast teams — the 49ers (second), Chargers (third), Rams (seventh), and Seahawks (10th) — rank in the top 10 across the full season, and every domestic appearance in the top 25 toughest schedule spots is an early road kickoff for a team based in the Pacific or Mountain time zones. The Chargers' three hardest games are all 1 p.m. ET starts in Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and Miami, while Las Vegas faces similar body-clock problems in Cleveland and New England.
Short weeks can hurt without a long flight
Chicago and Buffalo have six scheduled short-rest games apiece, tied for the most in the NFL, while Philadelphia has five. The Eagles still rank ninth in season fatigue despite sitting only 20th in Market SOS, a good example of how schedule burden can tell a very different story from opponent strength.
The Bears carry the NFL's highest physical-recovery burden, with Thanksgiving at Detroit their toughest assignment. Green Bay offers an even more unusual case: the Packers rank just 24th overall but second in physical-recovery burden, with their two toughest fatigue spots both coming on Thursdays at Lambeau Field.
Paris changes the season for New Orleans and Pittsburgh
The Saints' Week 7 trip to Paris produces the highest individual burden in the entire Index at 41.1 points. That one game accounts for roughly 45% of New Orleans' season burden and 46% of Pittsburgh's, making an outsized contribution to both teams' rankings.
It's part of a much broader international trend: European games occupy the first 11 spots among the top 25 toughest schedule assignments. New Orleans consequently finishes fourth in fatigue as a result of the Paris game, though the Saints enjoy the second-easiest schedule by Market SOS, which should help offset the weariness around their toughest trip.
Carolina gets the NFL's lightest fatigue schedule
At the other end, the Carolina Panthers rank 32nd in season fatigue and have the NFL's shortest estimated travel itinerary at 8,600 miles. Even their toughest game — a Thursday trip to Green Bay — ranks only 58th among all 544 team-game projections. The tradeoff is an early Week 5 bye, leaving Carolina to play the rest of the regular season without another week off.
Tampa Bay and Cleveland round out the bottom three for similar reasons. The Buccaneers never leave the United States, travel just 11,900 miles, and get a Week 10 bye; Cleveland covers only 9,100 miles and has just one scheduled short-rest game.
There are some less obvious names near the bottom, too. Baltimore ranks 28th despite traveling to Rio de Janeiro, while Minnesota is 29th with a Mexico City game on its schedule. Neither international trip is among those teams' two toughest fatigue spots. Long distance matters, but an international game isn't automatically a brutal fatigue spot just because the flight is long.
Same stadium, very different fatigue schedules
Where a team starts matters, but it clearly doesn't determine where it finishes.
The Giants and Jets both call MetLife Stadium home and finish relatively close in overall fatigue — 25th and 27th — but they get there in very different ways. The Jets rank second in travel fatigue but dead last in physical-recovery burden, while the Giants rank sixth in travel fatigue with more than twice the Jets' recovery burden.
It's a similar story at SoFi Stadium, although both Los Angeles teams land near the top of the standings. The Chargers rank third overall and the Rams seventh, but the mix is different: the Rams rank second in sleep-disruption burden, while the Chargers rank third in circadian misalignment and carry nearly twice as much physical-recovery burden.
The Fatigue 100: Toughest schedule spots in 2026
While teams can generally mitigate the effects of fatigue across the entire 18-week schedule, a single bad week of travel, rest, or both can be detrimental for a team's chances on the field. So we broke down the worst schedule spots on the season with The Fatigue 100 — starting with the 25 toughest games of the 2026 season. Some games will feature both sides of the same matchup, but they won't always face the same fatigue burden.
2026 NFL Fatigue Index: Team-by-team schedule breakdowns
Below, we break down all 32 teams on a game-by-game basis, including each team's full fatigue schedule, key travel, rest stats, and its three toughest games compared with the rest of the league. Teams are ordered by Fatigue Index rank, with the A-to-Z directory below for quick navigation.
Houston Texans1st of 32Season fatigue96.4
The Houston Texans get the tougher end of their London matchup, carrying 37.4 points of projected burden to Jacksonville's 5.8. The Jaguars play there the previous week and are assumed to stay overseas, while Houston has to make the trip fresh. The Texans return home to host the Giants before their Week 8 bye, with later trips to Philadelphia and Washington helping push them to the league's highest season total.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.5 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.4 |
| 6 | vs. London | Oct 18, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 37.4 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.6 |
| 8 | Bye · no game | |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.7 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.9 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 19, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.1 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 7.8 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 16 | at Dec 24, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.4 |
| 17 | at Jan 4, 2027 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 4.1* |
Toughest schedule spots
San Francisco 49ers2nd of 32Season fatigue96.2
The San Francisco 49ers lead the NFL with an estimated 37,900 travel miles, including trips to Melbourne and Mexico City. Yet neither international game is their toughest fatigue spot: Atlanta takes that distinction, followed by another 1 p.m. ET trip to the Giants. San Francisco also leads the league in sleep disruption burden on its way to the No. 2 overall ranking.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Melbourne | Sep 10, 2026 | 8:35 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 19, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 20.1 |
| 8 | Bye · no game | |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 11 | vs. Mexico City | Nov 22, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 5.3 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.0 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 15 | at Dec 17, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.3 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.4 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 4.3* |
Toughest schedule spots
Los Angeles Chargers3rd of 32Season fatigue93.9
The Los Angeles Chargers' three toughest fatigue spots all kick off at 1 p.m. ET: Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and Miami. That last trip comes in Week 16, with two divisional games still waiting after the Chargers fly home. Los Angeles ranks third in overall fatigue and sixth in Market SOS.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.0 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.7 |
| 7 | Bye · no game | |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 10 | at Nov 16, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.8 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.8 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 19.0 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 17, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 8.3 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.4 |
| 17 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 2.7* |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
New Orleans Saints4th of 32Season fatigue91.9
Paris dominates the New Orleans Saints' schedule, accounting for about 45% of their entire season burden. The Week 7 game against Pittsburgh is the highest-burden assignment in the Index, far above anything else on New Orleans' calendar, and the bye comes immediately afterward. The opponent slate offers another break: the Saints have the second-easiest Market SOS.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.7 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.5 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 5, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.7 |
| 7 | vs. Paris | Oct 25, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 41.1 |
| 8 | Bye · no game | |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.5 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.0 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.0 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.8 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.8 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.7* |
Toughest schedule spots
Las Vegas Raiders5th of 32Season fatigue90.1
The Las Vegas Raiders rank fifth in overall fatigue without leaving the country and lead the NFL in circadian misalignment burden. Early road starts at Cleveland and New England help explain why a relatively ordinary-looking travel schedule scores so poorly. Las Vegas also has no scheduled short-rest or prime-time games.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 13.2 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.6 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 4.4 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 13 | Bye · no game | |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 4.2 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 16.0* |
Toughest schedule spots
New England Patriots6th of 32Season fatigue88.4
The New England Patriots' trip to Munich against Detroit ranks third among all 544 team-game projections. Seattle in Week 1 and the Chargers in Week 12 round out their three toughest assignments, but the Patriots at least get a Week 11 bye between Germany and Los Angeles.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 9, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 10.1 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.1 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 7 | at Oct 22, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.2 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.6 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 10 | vs. Munich | Nov 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 29.6 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 10.2 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 10, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 8.2 |
| 15 | at Dec 21, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.4 |
| 17 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 3.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
Los Angeles Rams7th of 32Season fatigue87.7
The Los Angeles Rams lead the league with seven scheduled prime-time games, and Melbourne isn't even their toughest fatigue assignment. A Week 4 trip to Philadelphia ranks higher, with Washington also ahead of the Australian opener. Add 35,000 estimated travel miles and the third-hardest Market SOS, and the Rams have plenty working against them beyond their record-setting trip overseas.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Melbourne | Sep 10, 2026 | 8:35 p.m. ET | 19.2 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 21, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 3.3 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 19.4 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 12, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 1.5 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 4.8 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | vs. Nov 25, 2026 | 8 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 3, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 16 | at Dec 25, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 4.1 |
| 17 | at Kickoff TBA | 10.2* |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
Denver Broncos8th of 32Season fatigue83.3
The Denver Broncos don't have one massive game driving their ranking; instead, four road trips rank 28th, 31st, 32nd, and 34th among all 544 projections. Visits to the Jets, Panthers, Patriots, and Steelers pile up enough burden to put Denver eighth for the season.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 14, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 1.8 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 4.2 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 4.5 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 15, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 8.4 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 3.7 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 13.0 |
| 10 | Bye · no game | |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 12 | at Nov 27, 2026 | 3 p.m. ET | 11.1 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 13.2 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 4.0 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 25, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. ET | 3.9 |
| 17 | at Kickoff TBA | 12.9* |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.1* |
Toughest schedule spots
Philadelphia Eagles9th of 32Season fatigue78.7
The Philadelphia Eagles have five scheduled short-rest games on top of one of the league's tougher travel calendars. London against Jacksonville is their highest-burden assignment, followed later by Thanksgiving at Dallas and a Week 17 trip to San Francisco. A Week 10 bye at least separates London from the harder second-half stretch.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.5 |
| 3 | at Sep 28, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 5 | vs. London | Oct 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 26.5 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 26, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.7 |
| 10 | Bye · no game | |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 12 | at Nov 26, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. ET | 13.1 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 19, 2026 | 5 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 24, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.6 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 10.1 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 3.0* |
Toughest schedule spots
Seattle Seahawks10th of 32Season fatigue76.6
The Seattle Seahawks' toughest stretch arrives late, with three demanding games from Weeks 15 through 17 at Philadelphia, home against the Rams, and at Carolina. A road finale against the Rams follows. Seattle ranks 10th in fatigue and fourth in Market SOS, with Carolina and an earlier trip to Washington producing its two highest individual game burdens.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 9, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 6 | at Oct 15, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 10.7 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 2, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.4 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 7, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.4 |
| 15 | at Dec 19, 2026 | 5 p.m. ET | 12.2 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 25, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 1.4 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.5 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 3.1* |
Toughest schedule spots
Detroit Lions11th of 32Season fatigue75.0
The Detroit Lions' game against New England in Munich ranks fourth in projected game burden league-wide. Their Week 6 bye comes a month before that trip, while Thanksgiving against Chicago follows two weeks after Germany. Detroit ranks 11th in fatigue, though the third-easiest Market SOS offers some relief.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 17, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.2 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 9.4 |
| 6 | Bye · no game | |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.1 |
| 10 | vs. Munich | Nov 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 29.6 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.3 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 26, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 10.3 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 28, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.7 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 4.3* |
Toughest schedule spots
Jacksonville Jaguars12th of 32Season fatigue73.7
The Jacksonville Jaguars' consecutive London games produce dramatically different results: Philadelphia ranks 11th in burden, while Houston the next week falls to No. 125. The model assumes Jacksonville stays overseas between games, giving the Jaguars more time to adjust before the second kickoff. Their Week 7 bye follows immediately afterward.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.1 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 5 | vs. London | Oct 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 26.5 |
| 6 | vs. London | Oct 18, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 5.8 |
| 7 | Bye · no game | |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 9 | at Nov 5, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.5 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.0 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.0 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.1 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 14, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.2 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 17 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 1.0* |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.6* |
Toughest schedule spots
Washington Commanders13th of 32Season fatigue73.2
The Washington Commanders' trips to London and San Francisco are their two toughest fatigue assignments of the season. Washington returns from London to host the Giants before crossing the country for San Francisco, then finally reaches its bye in Week 7. A later Thursday trip to the Giants adds another difficult spot to a schedule that also ranks seventh in Market SOS.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.4 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.3 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 4 | vs. London | Oct 4, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 26.5 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 6 | at Oct 19, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 10.0 |
| 7 | Bye · no game | |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 1.4 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 10 | at Nov 12, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.3 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 23, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 7.2 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.5 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 16 | at Kickoff TBA | 4.9* |
| 17 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.7* |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
Atlanta Falcons14th of 32Season fatigue64.5
The Atlanta Falcons' Week 9 game against Cincinnati in Madrid ranks fifth among all 544 team-game projections. Kansas City visits the following week before Atlanta finally reaches its bye, creating a concentrated midseason challenge. The rest of the calendar is much lighter, with a Thursday trip to Green Bay the Falcons' next-toughest spot.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 3 | at Sep 24, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.2 |
| 4 | at Oct 5, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 9 | vs. Madrid | Nov 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 29.5 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.5 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.8 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.0 |
| 16 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.4* |
Toughest schedule spots
Chicago Bears15th of 32Season fatigue64.3
The Chicago Bears share the NFL lead with six scheduled short-rest games, and Thanksgiving at Detroit is the one to circle. That turnaround creates Chicago's biggest physical recovery problem, while another Thursday game against New England is followed immediately by a trip to Seattle.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.5 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 28, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.3 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 22, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.1 |
| 8 | at Nov 2, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 8.1 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 1.0 |
| 10 | Bye · no game | |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 12 | at Nov 26, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 15.3 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.7 |
| 15 | at Dec 19, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 4.0 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.2 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.9* |
Toughest schedule spots
Buffalo Bills16th of 32Season fatigue63.8
The Buffalo Bills also have six scheduled short-rest games, tied for the league lead with Chicago. Back-to-back trips to the Rams and Raiders in Weeks 5 and 6 are Buffalo's two toughest fatigue assignments, but the Bills at least get their bye immediately afterward. A Week 16 visit to Denver is the other major trouble spot.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.0 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 17, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.1 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 12, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 10.0 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 10.7 |
| 7 | Bye · no game | |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 9 | at Nov 9, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.1 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 26, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 7.0 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 19, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.7 |
| 16 | at Dec 25, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. ET | 7.1 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
Pittsburgh Steelers17th of 32Season fatigue62.2
Paris accounts for roughly 46% of the Pittsburgh Steelers' entire season burden. Their next-toughest assignment, a Thursday trip to Cleveland, ranks only 74th league-wide, showing just how much the France game stands apart. Unlike New Orleans, Pittsburgh plays again the following week before finally reaching its bye in Week 9.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.6 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 4 | at Oct 1, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.5 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 7 | vs. Paris | Oct 25, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 28.7 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.1 |
| 9 | Bye · no game | |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.7 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 27, 2026 | 3 p.m. ET | 3.9 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 14 | at Dec 14, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.7 |
| 16 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 2.6* |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.1 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.3* |
Toughest schedule spots
Indianapolis Colts18th of 32Season fatigue60.0
The Indianapolis Colts don't reach their bye until Week 13, well after several of their most awkward schedule spots. Washington in Week 4 is easily their highest-burden game, while Indianapolis later returns from London for another road game in Pittsburgh. A Thursday trip to Houston in Week 11 creates one more difficult turnaround before the break.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.0 |
| 4 | vs. London | Oct 4, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 26.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.0 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.4 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 11 | at Nov 19, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.1 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 13 | Bye · no game | |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.8 |
| 16 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 1.9* |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.8 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
Kansas City Chiefs19th of 32Season fatigue59.3
The Kansas City Chiefs play three straight road games at Buffalo, the Rams, and Cincinnati from Weeks 12 through 14, their toughest three-game run of the season. Buffalo carries the highest individual burden of the three. The Chiefs' Week 5 bye offers little help by the time that December stretch arrives.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 14, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.9 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.4 |
| 5 | Bye · no game | |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 6.0 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.5 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 12 | at Nov 26, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 9.2 |
| 13 | at Dec 3, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.6 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 21, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.2 |
| 17 | at Kickoff TBA | 7.9* |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.6* |
Toughest schedule spots
Arizona Cardinals20th of 32Season fatigue58.8
The Arizona Cardinals face the NFL's hardest opponent slate by Covers Market SOS, so every break elsewhere on the schedule matters. Arizona avoids scheduled short-rest games altogether, although its bye doesn't arrive until Week 14. A 1 p.m. ET trip to the Giants is the Cardinals' toughest fatigue spot, followed by Dallas and New Orleans.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.8 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 18.9 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 9.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 4.3 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.4 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 8.1 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 14 | Bye · no game | |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 8.3 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.3* |
Toughest schedule spots
Dallas Cowboys21st of 32Season fatigue57.9
The Dallas Cowboys' two toughest fatigue assignments both come at home, on Thanksgiving against Philadelphia and a Thursday night against Tampa Bay. The Rio de Janeiro trip ranks below both, another reminder that distance alone doesn't dictate fatigue burden. Dallas also faces the fifth-hardest Market SOS and waits until Week 14 for its bye.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.9 |
| 3 | vs. Rio de Janeiro | Sep 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.4 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 8, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.9 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.9 |
| 7 | at Oct 26, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.6 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.2 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 26, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. ET | 8.6 |
| 13 | at Dec 7, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.0 |
| 14 | Bye · no game | |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.8 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 6.7* |
Toughest schedule spots
Cincinnati Bengals22nd of 32Season fatigue57.2
Madrid is the clear outlier on the Cincinnati Bengals' schedule: the Week 9 game against Atlanta ranks sixth league-wide, while their next-toughest assignment ranks only 140th. Cincinnati otherwise benefits from the easiest Market SOS in the NFL. Its Week 6 bye comes before Spain, with Pittsburgh waiting the week after the Bengals return.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.0 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.0 |
| 6 | Bye · no game | |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 9 | vs. Madrid | Nov 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET | 29.5 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.9 |
| 11 | at Nov 23, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.6 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.0 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 16 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.2* |
| 17 | vs. Dec 31, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 4.2 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.0* |
Toughest schedule spots
Miami Dolphins23rd of 32Season fatigue53.7
The Miami Dolphins lead the NFL in travel fatigue burden after opening with road games in Las Vegas and San Francisco before returning home for Kansas City. Those first two trips are also their biggest individual fatigue spots. Miami ranks only 23rd in overall fatigue, but the second-hardest Market SOS presents a very different kind of challenge.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 9.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 9.4 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.9 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 3.6 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 6 | Bye · no game | |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.8 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.1 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.2 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.5 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 6.3* |
Toughest schedule spots
Green Bay Packers24th of 32Season fatigue52.8
The Green Bay Packers rank second in physical recovery burden even though their overall fatigue schedule comes in just 24th. Their two biggest problems both come at Lambeau Field, on Thursdays against Carolina and Atlanta. The rest of the schedule is considerably more forgiving.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 24, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.1 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.1 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.7 |
| 8 | vs. Oct 29, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 8.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.8 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | at Nov 25, 2026 | 8 p.m. ET | 5.9 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.2 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.8 |
| 16 | at Dec 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.8 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 4, 2027 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 1.9* |
Toughest schedule spots
New York Giants25th of 32Season fatigue51.4
The New York Giants rank only 25th in fatigue despite facing the ninth-hardest opponent slate by Market SOS. Their own toughest fatigue assignments are all on the road, against the Rams, Seahawks, and Cowboys. Interestingly, two of the more difficult games played at MetLife belong to visiting Arizona and San Francisco instead.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 21, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 10.0 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.5 |
| 8 | Bye · no game | |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 12, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 9.1 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.8 |
| 16 | at Dec 28, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 7.6 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.6* |
Toughest schedule spots
Tennessee Titans26th of 32Season fatigue47.0
The Tennessee Titans have no scheduled short-rest or prime-time games, a rarity on the 2026 calendar. Their toughest fatigue assignment doesn't arrive until a Week 16 trip to Las Vegas, while consecutive early road games against the Giants and Ravens come next. Tennessee's bye falls in Week 9.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.3 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.1 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.5 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.4 |
| 9 | Bye · no game | |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.3 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.8 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.8 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.8* |
Toughest schedule spots
New York Jets27th of 32Season fatigue45.4
The New York Jets rank second in travel fatigue burden but only 27th in overall fatigue, a good example of why no single component tells the whole story. They have no scheduled short-rest games, and their toughest assignment is a Week 11 trip to the Chargers. Another road game in Miami follows before the Week 13 bye.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.3 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 4 | at Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.0 |
| 5 | vs. Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.2 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.3 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 9.4 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.5 |
| 13 | Bye · no game | |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 6.4 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.2* |
Toughest schedule spots
Baltimore Ravens28th of 32Season fatigue39.4
The Baltimore Ravens' eye-catching trip to Rio de Janeiro isn't one of their two toughest fatigue assignments. Thursday games at Cincinnati in Week 17 and home against Jacksonville in Week 9 both produce more burden than Brazil. Even with those turnarounds, Baltimore finishes with one of the league's lightest fatigue schedules.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 3 | vs. Rio de Janeiro | Sep 27, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 3.6 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.1 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.8 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 5, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 16, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.6 |
| 12 | at Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 5.5 |
| 13 | Bye · no game | |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 16 | vs. Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 17 | at Dec 31, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 7.6 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.2* |
Toughest schedule spots
Minnesota Vikings29th of 32Season fatigue37.8
The Minnesota Vikings' Mexico City game doesn't crack their top two fatigue assignments; a Thursday trip to New England ranks first, followed by a visit to the Jets. Mexico adds comparatively little to an Index that excludes heat and altitude. Minnesota finishes 29th in overall fatigue, with its Week 6 bye arriving well before those late-season trips.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.9 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 3.3 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.7 |
| 6 | Bye · no game | |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.7 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 9, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 3.8 |
| 11 | vs. Mexico City | Nov 22, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.0 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 14 | at Dec 10, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 10.4 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 16 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.8* |
| 17 | at Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 6.5 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.7* |
Toughest schedule spots
Cleveland Browns30th of 32Season fatigue35.9
The Cleveland Browns travel an estimated 9,100 miles, second-fewest in the NFL, and have just one scheduled short-rest game. That lone Thursday turnaround comes at home against Pittsburgh and also represents Cleveland's toughest fatigue assignment. The Browns otherwise avoid many of the schedule quirks driving the top of the Index.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.8 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 1, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 6.8 |
| 5 | at Oct 11, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.1 |
| 8 | at Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.9 |
| 10 | vs. Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 11 | Bye · no game | |
| 12 | vs. Nov 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 15 | at Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 16 | at Dec 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 3.4* |
Toughest schedule spots
Tampa Bay Buccaneers31st of 32Season fatigue33.7
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finish 31st in season fatigue and travel an estimated 11,900 miles, one of the league's shortest itineraries. A Thursday trip to Dallas stands far above everything else on their fatigue schedule. Tampa Bay also stays in the U.S. all season and gets its bye in Week 10.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.2 |
| 2 | vs. Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 3 | vs. Sep 27, 2026 | 4:05 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 5 | at Oct 8, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.1 |
| 6 | vs. Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 7 | at Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 8 | vs. Nov 1, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.3 |
| 9 | at Nov 8, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 2.4 |
| 10 | Bye · no game | |
| 11 | at Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.5 |
| 12 | vs. Nov 30, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 13 | vs. Dec 6, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.8 |
| 14 | at Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.8 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 16 | at Kickoff TBA | 2.3* |
| 17 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 2.6* |
| 18 | at Kickoff TBA | 4.0* |
Toughest schedule spots
Carolina Panthers32nd of 32Season fatigue32.1
The Carolina Panthers get the league's lowest season fatigue score and shortest estimated travel itinerary at 8,600 miles. Their toughest assignment, a Thursday trip to Green Bay, ranks only 58th among all 544 team-game projections. The tradeoff is a Week 5 bye, leaving Carolina to play the rest of the regular season without another week off.
| Week | Matchup | Projected game burden |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Sep 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 2 | at Sep 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.1 |
| 3 | at Sep 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 2.3 |
| 4 | vs. Oct 4, 2026 | 8:20 p.m. ET | 0.0 |
| 5 | Bye · no game | |
| 6 | at Oct 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 1.9 |
| 7 | vs. Oct 25, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 8 | at Oct 29, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 9.1 |
| 9 | vs. Nov 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.1 |
| 10 | at Nov 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 4.6 |
| 11 | vs. Nov 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 12 | at Nov 30, 2026 | 8:15 p.m. ET | 0.6 |
| 13 | at Dec 6, 2026 | 4:25 p.m. ET | 5.0 |
| 14 | vs. Dec 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.7 |
| 15 | vs. Dec 20, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.5 |
| 16 | at Kickoff TBA | 3.6* |
| 17 | vs. Jan 3, 2027 | 1 p.m. ET | 0.2 |
| 18 | vs. Kickoff TBA | 0.5* |
Toughest schedule spots
How I built the 2026 NFL Fatigue Index
The NFL Fatigue Index combines extensive scientific research with detailed schedule modeling to estimate the fatigue burden facing every team in every game of the 2026 season.
I started by examining the different ways an NFL schedule can affect athletes between games — namely physical recovery, sleep loss, body-clock disruption, and travel. That meant looking beyond football, too, especially surrounding sleep and circadian science and the physical toll of contact sports.
After studying all of the available scientific literature I could find and identifying which factors had the greatest direct impact on fatigue, the (much more) difficult part was making those findings comparable. A study measuring reaction time after disrupted sleep isn't capturing the same thing as a study tracking physical recovery after a football game. So I spent weeks modeling the linear weights of every respective fatigue factor and translated them onto a common scale so they could be combined at kickoff.
I also tested alternative assumptions throughout the process to see which choices actually changed the results. The studies linked below helped inform my research but are just a slice of the much broader research base that informed this year's Fatigue Index.
What goes into the Index?
- Travel fatigue: I estimate how much fatigue from the journey itself remains at kickoff based on the trip and the time available to recover after arrival. Travel can produce fatigue symptoms even without crossing time zones, which is one reason I don't treat mileage alone as a measure of travel burden.
- Sleep disruption: I model recent sleep loss and the lingering effects of repeated sleep restriction, following projected sleep history and opportunities to recover before the next game.
- Circadian misalignment: I evaluate kickoff timing against each team's projected body clock, accounting for time-zone changes and adjustment after travel. This reflects research showing that athletic performance varies across the biological day.
- Physical recovery: I estimate how much physical burden from recent football activity remains at kickoff. Postgame recovery research and research on full-contact practice help inform how that burden changes over time. Short weeks, longer breaks, and byes all affect the recovery window before the next game.
Mileage still matters, but it only tells us how far a team travels. The Fatigue Index evaluates each trip within the schedule around it: when the team leaves, how much time it has before kickoff to acclimate, what happens to sleep and body-clock timing along the way, and how much recovery time the schedule allows between games (and practices).
How the model works
I apply those calculations to each team's actual 2026 schedule: its home location, destinations, game dates, kickoff times, and sequence of appearances. The model follows travel, projected sleep disruption, body-clock adjustment, and physical recovery between games — allowing earlier fatigue burden to affect later projections before gradually fading.
Both teams are evaluated separately in every matchup, producing 544 team-game projections across 272 games. The four components are combined at each kickoff to create a projected game burden, and each team's 17 unrounded game scores are then added together to produce its season fatigue score.
Where actual team behavior can't be known before the season — exact sleep routines, practice loads, or travel timing, for example — I use consistent preseason assumptions based on an extensive review of past documented team behaviors rather than guessing which organizations will manage those variables better. That keeps the comparison focused on the schedule without introducing team-specific data, which I will track during the actual season.
Higher scores mean greater projected burden across the schedule. They aren't percentages or predicted scoring margins, and the season total doesn't tell us how exhausted a roster will be in Week 18. It measures the burden a team is projected to encounter at its 17 kickoffs across the season.
Which schedule and travel details are included?
Travel estimates include the trip to and from the game and assume a return leg after every domestic and international flight — unless a team plays consecutive international games, which is treated as one stay abroad based on historical precedent.
Environmental factors like heat and altitude were not included in this year's model, though there is evidence to suggest it can impact a team's fatigue burden. We'll do more research on those factors with potential inclusion in next year's preseason model.
