The 2026 NFL schedule is finally here, and the new season is already underway. NFL football returns with a rare Wednesday opener as defending champions Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots on September 9. The opening week then heads overseas, with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. It is a landmark international fixture for the league.
NFL Week 1 also delivers several heavyweight contests across Sunday and Monday. From Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills facing Houston to the Dallas Cowboys visiting the New York Giants, the opening slate immediately puts contenders under the spotlight. The NFL games will set the early tone for a season chasing the next Lombardi Trophy.
NFL Schedule 2026: Week 1 Begins With Super Bowl Rematch
The Seahawks begin their title defence against the Patriots at Lumen Field. Seattle beat New England in Super Bowl LX, making this the first season-opening Super Bowl rematch since 2016. Both teams finished 14-3 during the 2025 regular season.
The NFL schedule then shifts to Melbourne for 49ers-Rams on September 10. It will be the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia. The contest starts at 8:35 p.m. ET at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
NFL Week 1 Features Major Sunday Night Battles
Sunday’s NFL games include Bills-Texans, Ravens-Colts and Eagles-Commanders. The Cowboys and Giants then headline Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium.
Monday Night Football completes NFL Week 1 when the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver ended Kansas City’s nine-season AFC West title streak last season, adding extra edge to the matchup.
From Super Bowl 2026 To The Next NFL Championship
Super Bowl 2026, officially Super Bowl LX, was played on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with Seattle lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
The current NFL schedule now begins the road towards the next championship. The 2026 regular season runs through Week 18, with the postseason following in January.
With 18 weeks of NFL football ahead, every result now carries weight. The NFL games have started, and the race for the next Super Bowl is officially on.
