The NFL's regular-season schedule might be an intricate puzzle, but any notion of equity quickly falls by the wayside when it comes to optimizing the broadcast slate.
For as much as the league touts its pervasive parity, that dynamic rarely extends to the balance – or lack thereof – in how prime-time games are distributed. Franchises in key markets and large audiences remain fixtures of the standalone slate, while others are left to fight for scraps.
But the allotment can vary greatly from season to season as expectations shift for each organization. Ahead of this year's schedule release, here are five teams that deserve fewer prime-time games in 2026:
With five prime-time games and a standalone window for their Germany matchup in 2025, the Falcons received a major vote of confidence from the league. A breakthrough for Atlanta and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. never materialized, and Arthur Blank cleaned house in response to the disappointment.
Even with new coach Kevin Stefanski aboard, the Falcons hardly qualify as must-see TV. A quarterback competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa likely won't move the needle with viewers or produce much better results through the air. A stagnant Atlanta roster has also been passed up by its competition in the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints showing serious signs of growth. It's time to spread the wealth in the division, which can easily be achieved by bumping the Falcons down to a slate befitting a team stuck in neutral.
