NFL schedule winners and losers: Packers get soft beginning, Patriots face toughest start in 40 years

The 2026 NFL schedule has been released, with the Green Bay Packers receiving a favorable early slate while the New England Patriots face what is being described as their toughest opening stretch in 40 years. CBS Sports analyzed the schedule to identify which teams benefit from soft early matchups and which face difficult starts. The Packers are among the clear winners of the scheduling draw, while the Patriots stand out as one of the biggest losers.