The 2026 NFL season is underway with a schedule packed with major rivalries, playoff rematches and quarterback battles.
Seattle opened the season against New England in a rare Wednesday night kickoff on September 9. The Seahawks won 13 to 10. The opening week also featured an international matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Fans can expect more high profile games throughout the season. Several matchups also bring revenge stories, player reunions and important divisional battles.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | 2026 NFL Season |
| Season Opener | New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks |
| Opening Date | September 9, 2026 |
| Week 1 Highlight | Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots |
| International Game | San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne |
| Thanksgiving Game | Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Week 12 |
| Key Quarterback Rivalry | Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen |
| Week 7 Highlight | Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks |
| Late Season Rivalry | Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks |
| Main Storylines | Rivalries, playoff rematches, player reunions and international games |
2026 NFL Season Opens With a Super Bowl Rematch
The Seahawks opened their Super Bowl title defense against the Patriots on September 9.
The matchup marked a rare Wednesday start to the NFL season. Seattle hosted New England at Lumen Field. The Seahawks won 13 to 10.
The game carried extra meaning because the two teams met in the previous season’s Super Bowl. Seattle began its title defense in front of its home fans.
Week 1 also featured the NFL’s first regular season game in Melbourne. The 49ers faced the Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 10.
Rams and Seahawks Rivalry Returns
The Rams and Seahawks remain one of the most interesting NFC West matchups.
Their 2026 schedule includes meetings in Week 16 and Week 18. The first game is scheduled for December 25 in Seattle. The Week 18 meeting will take place in Los Angeles, with the date and time still to be determined.
The rivalry gained even more attention after their recent playoff battles. Both teams will have plenty at stake when they meet late in the season.
Kansas City and Denver meet in Week 1 on Monday Night Football.
The game will draw attention to Patrick Mahomes and his recovery from a major knee injury. The Chiefs will hope their star quarterback can return to his usual level as the season progresses.
Denver will have a chance to make an early statement against one of the AFC’s most established teams.
Chiefs at Seahawks Brings a Player Reunion
Kansas City visits Seattle in Week 7.
The matchup also features former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III against his former team. Walker joined the Chiefs during free agency after playing a major role in Seattle’s championship run.
The game is scheduled for October 25 and will be shown in the Sunday Night Football window.
Ravens and Bills Renew Their Quarterback Battle
Baltimore visits Buffalo in Week 8.
The matchup brings together Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both quarterbacks remain central figures in the AFC.
The game is scheduled for November 1. It follows the dramatic rivalry between the two teams in recent seasons.
Other Games With Major Storylines
Several other games could attract plenty of attention.
Cowboys at Colts, Week 9: Dallas visits Indianapolis on November 8. The game also creates an unusual family storyline involving brothers Caleb Downs and Josh Downs.
Steelers at Eagles, Week 11: Philadelphia hosts Pittsburgh on November 22. The matchup also gives Eagles fans a chance to watch rookie receiver Makai Lemon against the team that wanted to draft him.
Dolphins at Packers, Week 15: Miami visits Green Bay on December 20. The game connects several former Packers figures with the Dolphins organization.
Ravens vs. Bengals: The AFC North rivals meet twice during the regular season. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow headline a matchup that should carry major divisional importance.
Falcons at Browns, Week 14: Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski returns to Cleveland after leaving the Browns. The meeting gives both teams an interesting coaching storyline.
Why the 2026 NFL Season Matters
The 2026 schedule offers more than regular season football.
Several games connect directly to the previous season’s playoff picture. Others feature new coaches, former teammates and players facing teams that once wanted them.
The schedule also expands the NFL’s international reach. The league planned a record nine international games across several countries and four continents.
Top Matchups Defining the NFL Season
The NFL season will continue with several important divisional and conference matchups.
Week 18 will have an added layer of drama because the NFL will set several game times after Week 17.
From the Seahawks and Patriots to the Chiefs and Bills, the schedule includes plenty of games with playoff history, player reunions and divisional tension.
As the season moves forward, these matchups could help shape the race for the Super Bowl.
