The 2026 NFL season opens with an exciting and globally expanded Week 1 schedule, beginning with a rare Wednesday night game on September 9. This opener features the New England Patriots visiting the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl rematch just seven months after the Seahawks’ championship victory. The game spotlights New England’s updated receiving corps and the Seahawks’ promising rookie running back Jadarian Price, playing under the added spectacle of the NFL’s first Wednesday night kickoff since 2012.

The international dimension continues on Thursday, September 10, when the San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. This clash is especially noteworthy for the Rams, favored to win the Super Bowl, who have bolstered their lineup with star defensive player Myles Garrett. While Aaron Donald's participation remains uncertain after his recent unretirement, the Rams' strengthened defense and rivalry with the 49ers promise a highly anticipated international debut game, streamed live on Netflix.

The bulk of Week 1 action unfolds on Sunday with a full slate of games showcasing several intriguing matchups. Noteworthy contests include the Bills at Texans, highlighting Buffalo’s coaching changes and Houston’s offensive line challenges against CJ Stroud. The Bears and Panthers, both surprise playoff teams last year, hope to silence regression talk, while the Lions aim to test a youthful Saints offense. Other compelling games feature the Bengals against the Buccaneers, where both coaches face immense pressure, plus the Falcons’ Aaron Rodgers reunited with former coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh.

Week 1 culminates with two marquee prime-time games. Sunday Night Football on September 13 presents the Cowboys and Giants, a consistent Week 1 highlight fueled by the Giants' new coach John Harbaugh and Dallas’s potent offense. The week closes on Monday Night Football, September 14, with the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes returns from knee injuries, putting the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes to an early test against a Broncos team that nearly reached the Super Bowl last season and remains a strong AFC contender.