The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and the buildup starts with the Hall of Fame Game before the real thing kicks off in September. Here is everything to know about when the season starts, the season-opening matchup and the biggest games of Week 1.
When Does the 2026 NFL Season Start?
The 2026 NFL season will start with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. It is a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which the Seahawks won to claim the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy, and it continues the NFL’s tradition of having the defending champion open the season. It also marks the first time the league has opened a regular season on a Wednesday since 2012.
Before the regular season begins, the preseason gets underway with the Hall of Fame Game, which pits the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio.
2026 NFL Week 1 Schedule
Wednesday, Sept. 9
- New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Thursday, Sept. 10
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams – 8:35 p.m. ET (Netflix) in Melbourne, Australia
Sunday, Sept. 13
Monday, Sept. 14
Check the NFL schedule for updates throughout the season. Fans can watch FOX’s Week 1 Sunday slate and more NFL coverage in one subscription with FOX One.
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When Was the 2026 NFL Schedule Released?
The NFL announced several marquee Week 1 matchups, including the season opener, ahead of the full schedule release. The complete 2026 regular-season schedule, covering all 272 games, was unveiled on Thursday, May 14.
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How Is the NFL Schedule Determined?
The NFL has detailed rules about how the schedule comes together. Check out the specifics below.
- Each team plays 17 regular-season games.
- Each team receives a bye week.
- Teams alternate seasons where they host nine regular-season games and one preseason game or eight regular-season games and two preseason games.
- Each team has six games against divisional opponents, two against each team, one at home and one on the road.
- Each team has four games against teams from a division within its conference, two games at home and two on the road.
- Each team has four games against teams from a division in the other conference, two games at home and two on the road.
- Each team has two games against teams from the two remaining divisions in its own conference, one game at home and one on the road. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
- The 17th game for each team is an additional game against a nonconference opponent from a division the team is not scheduled to play. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
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