Football season is back, and fans are already getting plenty of reasons to tune in. The NFL preseason concluded last weekend, bringing an end to the final tune-up period before teams turn their attention to the games that count.
While there are no NFL games today, football fans do not have to go without action. College football takes over Saturday with a loaded slate, while the NFL regular season begins Wednesday at 8:20 p.m. ET.
The NFL’s opening week will be unlike a typical Week 1, with games scheduled across Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. The first game will also be a rematch of Super Bowl LX, giving the defending champions an immediate test to begin their title defense.
NFL Week 1 Preview
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
- New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
The 2026 NFL season opens Wednesday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The Seattle Seahawks will begin their Super Bowl defense at Lumen Field against the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch.
- San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
The NFL heads to Australia Thursday for the first regular-season game in Melbourne. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 8:35 p.m. ET on Netflix.
- Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
Sunday’s early window begins at 1 p.m. ET, with the Chicago Bears visiting the Carolina Panthers.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. ET as both teams begin their 2026 campaigns.
- Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans meet at 1 p.m. ET in one of Sunday’s notable AFC matchups.
- Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
The NFC East rivals meet at 4:25 p.m. ET, giving the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles an early divisional test.
- Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
“Sunday Night Football” brings the Dallas Cowboys to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET.
- Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 1 concludes with “Monday Night Football” when the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET.
