NFL Schedule Leaks 2021: Rumors, latest news ahead of schedule release

With the 2021 NFL Schedule release nearing, what are the latest leaks, rumors, and news? Which team will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open the season, who will be playing in the International Series, and what teams will feature heavily in primetime this season? With all opponents for every team known, the season’s schedule is the final missing piece of the puzzle.

This page will be updated over the next two days to reflect the latest we hear regarding the 2021 NFL schedule and any potential leaks. Be sure to check back to find out the latest we hear ahead of the schedule release.

Atlanta Falcons | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

At the start of April, the NFL announced that the Atlanta Falcons would be playing a home game as part of the International Series. They will host one of the contests scheduled to be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. There has been confirmation that the Falcons will not face any of their divisional opponents there. Thus, the potential opponents for the Falcons include the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Football Team.

The Falcons have a history against both the Patriots and Lions. In Super Bowl LI, the Falcons lost after leading 28-3 during the third quarter. Equally, the Falcons suffered a collapse of sorts last time they played in London against the Lions. Atlanta led 21-0 at halftime before losing 22-21 on the game’s final kick in somewhat bizarre circumstances. Detroit kicker Matt Prater missed the game-winning field goal, but officials flagged Lions for a delay of game penalty. Following a five-yard penalty, Prater made the 48-yard field goal to win the game.

Buffalo Bills | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

According to a report by Bills beat writer, Ryan Talbot, Buffalo will not contest the opening game of the 2021 NFL season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Talbot reported that the Bills will face the Buccaneers on December 12th.

Chicago Bears | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

According to a report by Danny Parkins of 670 the Score in Chicago, the Bears will open their schedule against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams will host the Bears on the first Sunday Night Football of the 2021 NFL season.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

According to Daniel Kaplan of the Athletic report, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to host a game in London in 2021. The Jaguars have played regularly in London since 2013. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 season was the first time they did not. Therefore, it is not a surprise to see them return as one of the “hosts.” The opponents for the Jaguars have yet to be confirmed.

Los Angeles Rams | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

According to a report by Danny Parkins of 670 the Score in Chicago, the Rams will open their schedule against the Bears. Los Angeles will host Chicago on Sunday Night Football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Potential 2021 schedule leaks, rumors, and news

As always, there has been much speculation about the Buccaneers’ opponents to open the season. As defending Super Bowl Champions after defeating Kansas City, the Buccaneers will open the season on Thursday, September 9. While there has been no official word or any real leak on the opponent, speculation, and rumors about the start of the 2021 NFL schedule are rife.

In his weekly Football Morning in America column, Peter King predicted the opponent would either be the Dallas Cowboys or Buffalo Bills. These games make a lot of sense given the relatively weak nature of the rest of the Buccaneers’ home schedule. A matchup against “America’s Team” or the team who finished second in the AFC would undoubtedly be a headline opening act.

However, Bills’ writer, Ryan Talbot reported that Buffalo will not play in this game. Instead, Talbot is reporting that the Bills will face the Buccaneers on December 12.

Other news, rumors, and leaks

What others rumors, news, and leaks are being reported regarding the NFL schedule in 2021?

Could Week 1 of the NFL season be released early?

According to a Twitter account that goes by NFL Update, the NFL will have the entire Week 1 lineup announced the morning of the schedule release day on May 12. CBS, FOX, ABC/ESPN, and NBC will reportedly announce the entire opening week’s slate of games on their morning shows.

2021 season to feature just one Monday Night Football Game in Week 1

According to a report by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there will be just one Monday Night Football game in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season. This had previously been reported in early April. It will be the first time since 2006 that Week 1 has not featured a doubleheader on Monday.

Week 18 to feature a Saturday doubleheader with playoff implications

According to a report by NFL Update, the league will schedule a Saturday night doubleheader in Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season. The NFL will select two games with playoff implications for this slot. ESPN/ABC is set to broadcast both games.

London expects to host two games in 2021

According to the report by Kaplan, there will be just two NFL games arranged in London in 2021. Due to the current global situation, the NFL is exercising caution. The UK plans to end all social distancing measures in June. Still, there is the potential they could be reintroduced later in the year. If a period of quarantine is required for NFL players entering the UK ahead of the games, it would be difficult for the league to find a space in the schedule for them to take place.

Mexico will not host any games in 2021

Kaplan also reports there will be no games played in Mexico due to high infection rates in the country. The league hosted three games in Mexico between 2016 and 2019.