The league’s newest season begins on a Wednesday in the Pacific Northwest, continues a day later in Australia.
The Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in the NFL opener, and then the rival San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams do battle down under.
Here is a morsel from each of the 16 NFL games on opening weekend. It’s a schedule that features a battle of division champions in Charlotte and a clash of NFC West rivals down under. However, it begins where the league left off this past season.
NOTE: 2025 regular-season win-loss records in parentheses
Football food for thought in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season
Wednesday, Sept. 9
New England (14-3) at Seattle (14-3): For the first time since 2016 (Panthers at Broncos), the two teams that met in the Super Bowl the previous season battle each other a season later in Week 1. Seattle pushed around the Pats in Super Bowl LX, 29-13, but Mike Vrabel’s team now has dangerous wideout A.J. Brown.
Thursday, Sept. 10
San Francisco (12-5) vs. L.A. Rams (12-5) (Melbourne, Australia): You can bet the “down under” here as these long-time rivals clash once again. When it came to this past season’s clashes, both teams won on the road.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Baltimore (8-9) at Indianapolis (8-9): It’s still odd to say “Colts host Baltimore.” It’s now been more than 40 years since the franchise moved to the Hoosier State. The Ravens have a new sideline leader as Jesse Minter takes over for John Harbaugh. The Colts lost their final seven games in 2025 after starting 8-2.
N.Y. Jets (3-14) at Tennessee (3-14): In Week 1 a year ago, the Jets renewed acquaintances with one of their former quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers. This time around, they head to Nashville and will face the Titans—now led by former head coach Robert Saleh. Aaron Glenn’s team failed to pick off a pass in 2025.
Buffalo (12-5) at Houston (12-5): Houston was a house of horrors last season for the Bills, who fell short on a Thursday evening, 23-19, in Week 12 as quarterback Josh Allen was sacked eight times. Including an overtime playoff win in 2019, the Texans own a 4-1 record in the last five meetings between these teams.
Cleveland (5-12) at Jacksonville (13-4): Veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson gets the start for new Browns’ head coach Todd Monken. The Jaguars made an amazing turnaround in 2025 after finishing 4-13 one year earlier. Keep an eye on Browns’ rookie wideout KC Concepcion on offense and special teams.
New Orleans (6-11) at Detroit (9-8): It’s a battle of 2025 last-place teams in the Motor City. The Lions fell hard after a 15-2 season that had them the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Under first-time head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints shook off a 2-10 start and rebounded to win four of their final five games.
Chicago (11-6) at Carolina (8-9): It’s a battle of reigning division champions. The Bears captured the NFC North last season for the first time since 2018, while the Panthers grabbed the NFC South title for the first time since 2015. It’s also a clash between first overall picks Bryce Young (2023) and Caleb Williams (2024).
Tampa Bay (8-9) at Cincinnati (6-11): The Bucs lost seven of their last nine games last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The Bengals dropped 11 of their last 15 outings after a 2-0 start. It’s another clash between former first overall picks in Baker Mayfield (2018) and Joe Burrow (2020).
Atlanta (8-9) at Pittsburgh (10-7): On Monday, Falcons’ head coach Kevin Stefanski named quarterback Tua Tagovailoa the starter for this season opener. Both clubs have new sideline leaders as Mike Tomlin is out and Mike McCarthy takes over. He’s just the fourth different head coach for the Steelers since 1969.
Arizona (3-14) at L.A. Chargers (11-6): The Cardinals will make the first of two trips to SoFi Stadium this season and look to stop the bleeding as the team closed out 2025 with nine consecutive losses. Jim Harbaugh has a new offensive (Mike McDaniel) and defensive (Chris O’Leary) coordinator this season.
Green Bay (9-7-1) at Minnesota (9-8): Here’s another team looking to put an end to a skid. The Pack dropped its last four regular-season games this past season, then squandered a big lead in a playoff loss at Chicago. The Vikings closed 2025 with five straight wins, and open 2026 with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Washington (5-12) at Philadelphia (11-6): For the third time in their last four outings dating back to Week 16 of last season, the Commanders will battle the Eagles. Under head coach Nick Sirianni (2021-25), the Birds are 8-3 in this rivalry, which includes that wild 55-23 rout of Washington in the ’24 NFC title game.
Miami (7-10) at Las Vegas (3-14): It’s a clash of new head coaches and new starting quarterbacks in Sin City. The Dolphins are led by former Packers’ DC Jeff Hafley and talented Malik Willis. The Raiders take the field under Klint Kubiak. Kirk Cousins gets the nod (for now?) over first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
Sunday night
Dallas (7-9-1) at N.Y. Giants (4-13): The Giants have a new head coach in John Harbaugh, who spent the past 18 seasons leading the Ravens. Brian Schottenheimer begins his second season at the helm of the Cowboys. His team was magnificent on offense but allowed the most points in the league in 2025.
Monday, Sept. 14
Denver (14-3) at Kansas City (6-11): Dating back to the clubs’ second meeting in 2023, the Broncos have prevailed in four of the last five meetings between these rivals. That’s pretty impressive considering the Chiefs had won the previous 16 clashes with Denver. Andy Reid’s team lost its final six games a year ago.
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