The NFL schedule release was yesterday, and there is plenty to break down. Make sure you check out the plethora of articles SGPN is kicking out on the schedule. Today, I’m looking at some of the biggest NFL trap games. Every year, we see teams lose games that they shouldn’t. Whether it’s travel or just a bad situation, it happens. Let’s take a look at some of the top ones.
2026 NFL Schedule Release – Biggest Trap Games
Before you start, make sure you check out our other NFL Schedule release articles:
NFL Schedule Release: Top Win Total Bets – Sports Gambling Podcast
2026 NFL Schedule Release – One Game To Bet Each Week – Sports Gambling Podcast
Week 13 – Kansas City Chiefs @ LA Rams (-3.5)
The first game that is one of the biggest trap games after looking at the 2026 NFL Schedule release is the Chiefs at the Rams. In Week 13 on Thursday night football, the Chiefs will hit the road to LA to take on the Rams. The Rams are slightly favored, and for good reason.
This is the second game in three consecutive road games for the Chiefs. The reason I think the second road game is the trap spot is because of who the Chiefs play in the first and third.
The Chiefs hit the road to take on the Bills in Week 12. We all know that’s become a heated rivalry, especially in the playoff push. The third road game is against the Bengals in Cincinnati, which also has playoff implications. Therefore, it will be tough for the Chiefs not to get stuck between those two AFC teams and pull off a win against a really good Rams team.
Week 11 – Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) @ New York Giants
The second biggest NFL trap game to discuss after the schedule release is the Jaguars on the road to the Giants. The Jaguars are currently 1.5-point favorites. This feels like a huge trap game for them.
It’s a 930-mile journey to New York. That’s not that bad in the grand scheme of things, as far as NFL travel. However, this is the Jaguars’ third consecutive road game.
In Week 9, they take a 744 mile jounrey to take on Baltimore. Then it’s 595 miles to the Titans in Week 10. Therefore, by the third week on the road, away from families again, it feels like a trap. Not just because I think the Giants will be improved. It’s just a tough spot for the Jaguars.
Week 17 – Seattle Seahawks (-5.5) @ Carolina Panthers
Some NFL trap games that jumped out on the NFL schedule release have to do with games that fall in a look-ahead spot. Or at times, fall in between two division opponents. In Week 17, the Seahawks are 5.5-point favorites against the Carolina Panthers.
Not only is this a 2,818-mile journey for the Seahawks. That alone makes it a trap game. However, it’s stuck right in between two showdowns with the LA Rams. Two teams that fought for the number one seed in the NFC don’t face off until Week 16. That may seem odd to some, but if both are able to have success, it’ll make for an interesting last two weeks.
Sandwiched between two major games against the Rams makes this game difficult.
Week 17 – LA Rams (-3.5) @ Tampa Bay Bucs
Speaking of the Rams and Week 17, they also have a trap game. This is the same reasoning as the Seahawks above. This game is sandwiched between two big games against the Seahawks.
Not only is it between those two matchups, but it’s a long haul. From the Rams stadium to Tampa, it’s 2,547 miles. That’s a big trip in between two games against last year’s biggest rival.
Week 6 – Houston Texans (-1.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
These two teams met twice last year and split the games. The Texans won at home, and the Jaguars won at home. This year, the Jaguars’ “home” game is actually in London. Let’s not forget, though, they are the London Jags.
On top of being the team that has played the most games in London, this Week 6 matchup is their second game in a row in London. They will already be adjusted to the climate, time change, and area. Meanwhile, the Texans fly out there one week after a road game against the Titans.
This makes this a big trap game for the Texans, especially since they’re favored currently.
Week 12 – Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys (-1.5)
The last trap game to discuss after the NFL schedule release is on Thanksgiving. The Philadelphia Eagles hit the road to take on the Dallas Cowboys. When healthy, Dak has actually performed really well against the Eagles. Even more so at home.
However, the main reason this is a trap game is just the fact that the Eagles have a late game the Week prior. They play at 4:25 local time in Week 11 and then have to turn around and play against Dallas. Sure, Dallas also has a game, but they get those three hours of extra rest.
