The NFL’s global footprint is expanding faster than ever before. With the official 2026 NFL schedule release, the league has confirmed a record-breaking nine international games spanning across five continents. From the first-ever regular-season game in Paris to a historic debut in Melbourne, the 2026 campaign represents the most ambitious international undertaking in professional football history.
For bettors, the 2026 NFL schedule release offers an early look at how oddsmakers view these neutral-site matchups. International games introduce unique variables, including grueling travel schedules and the lack of a true home-field advantage, often leading to tighter spreads and unpredictable totals. Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the opening odds, spreads, and totals for every game in the 2026 International Series.
Historic Debuts: Melbourne and Madrid
The 2026 season marks two massive milestones for the league's expansion. For the first time, the NFL will head to Australia, featuring a high-stakes NFC West rivalry. The San Francisco 49ers will battle the Los Angeles Rams at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Additionally, Spain welcomes the league for the first time as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Atlanta Falcons at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne)
- Spread: 49ers -3
- Moneyline: 49ers -155, Rams +135
- Total: 47.5
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons (Madrid)
- Spread: Bengals -3
- Moneyline: Bengals -160, Falcons +140
- Total: 49.5
South American Showdowns: Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City
The NFL continues its focus on the Western Hemisphere with a return to Mexico City and a brand-new destination in Brazil. The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will bring a heavyweight clash to Rio de Janeiro, while the Minnesota Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers in the high altitude of Estadio Azteca.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (Rio de Janeiro)
- Spread: Pick'em
- Moneyline: Ravens -110, Cowboys -110
- Total: 48.5
Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers (Mexico City)
- Spread: 49ers -4.5
- Moneyline: 49ers -210, Vikings +175
- Total: 46.5
The European Tour: Paris and Munich
Mainland Europe remains a focal point of the 2026 NFL schedule release. History will be made in the "City of Light" as the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in the first-ever regular-season game in Paris, France. Meanwhile, Germany's passionate fan base will be treated to a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions at Munich's Allianz Arena.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints (Paris)
- Spread: Steelers -1
- Moneyline: Steelers -115, Saints -105
- Total: 41.5
New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions (Munich)
- Spread: Lions -5.5
- Moneyline: Lions -240, Patriots +200
- Total: 45.5
The London Tradition: Three Games in the UK
London remains the bedrock of the International Series, hosting three games in 2026. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host an intriguing interconference battle, while Wembley Stadium continues its tradition as the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are scheduled for two back-to-back games in the UK capital.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (Tottenham)
- Spread: Commanders -1
- Moneyline: Commanders -115, Colts -105
- Total: 43.5
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wembley)
- Spread: Eagles -2.5
- Moneyline: Eagles -140, Jaguars +120
- Total: 44.5
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wembley)
- Spread: Texans -2
- Moneyline: Texans -130, Jaguars +110
- Total: 48.5
Betting Analysis for the 2026 International Series
Following the 2026 NFL schedule release, bettors should pay close attention to the scheduling of bye weeks. Teams playing in Melbourne or Rio de Janeiro face significantly longer travel times than those heading to London or Paris. Historically, teams that stay overseas for multiple weeks—like the Jaguars often do—tend to find better rhythm in their second international outing.
The thin air in Mexico City remains a major factor for totals, as kickers gain extra yardage and defenses often fatigue faster. Conversely, the first-ever game in Paris at a soccer-specific venue may lead to slower field conditions depending on turf management, which could favor defensive-minded teams like the Steelers. As the season approaches, these opening lines will fluctuate, but they currently provide a fascinating roadmap for the NFL's most global season yet.
Sources & Original Reporting
