The NFL Week 1 schedule and matchups 2026 are set to kick off a new regular season with several exciting games for football fans. The 2026 NFL regular season begins on September 9, 2026, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots.
Week 1 features 16 games across Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. From the opening-night Super Bowl rematch to divisional battles and highly anticipated road games, there is plenty to watch during the first week of the season.
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| NFL Week 1 Schedule and Matchups 2026 |
NFL Week 1 Schedule 2026
The complete NFL Week 1 schedule 2026 includes the following matchups:
| Date | Matchup |
|---|---|
| September 9 | New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks |
| September 10 | San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams |
| September 13 | Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers |
| September 13 | Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts |
| September 13 | Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers |
| September 13 | Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars |
| September 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals |
| September 13 | New York Jets at Tennessee Titans |
| September 13 | New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions |
| September 13 | Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans |
| September 13 | Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers |
| September 13 | Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings |
| September 13 | Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders |
| September 13 | Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles |
| September 13 | Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants |
| September 14 | Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs |
The official NFL schedule lists Week 1 as beginning September 9, with kickoff times and broadcast information available through the league's schedule page.
Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots
The season opener is one of the biggest games on the NFL Week 1 schedule and matchups list. The Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots on September 9.
The matchup has extra attention because Seattle enters the season as the reigning Super Bowl champion, while New England will be looking to begin the new campaign with a major statement victory.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Thursday's game brings an NFC West matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
This game should attract plenty of attention because division games can have an important impact on the playoff race later in the season. It is also part of the NFL's expanding international schedule, with the 2026 season featuring several games outside the United States.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
One of the most recognizable Week 1 matchups is the NFC East meeting between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.
The Cowboys will travel to MetLife Stadium for this Sunday night matchup. Division rivalry games are always among the most followed contests because both teams are competing within the same NFC East division.
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Another important NFC East matchup features the Washington Commanders visiting the Philadelphia Eagles.
The game gives both teams an early opportunity to establish themselves in the division. With 17 regular-season games on each team's schedule, every early division game can become important when the playoff picture develops.
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week 1 closes with a Monday Night Football matchup between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City will begin its season at home, while Denver will attempt to start the campaign with a road victory. The AFC West matchup is one of the key games to watch as the NFL begins its 2026 regular season.
Other NFL Week 1 Games to Watch
Several other matchups could attract significant attention during the opening week:
- Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
- Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
- Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
- Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
- New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
These games give fans an early look at new rosters, coaching decisions, rookies and offseason changes.
What Makes NFL Week 1 Important?
Week 1 does not determine the entire NFL season, but it can provide an early indication of how teams have developed during the offseason.
Fans will be watching several major storylines, including quarterback performances, rookie debuts, new coaching systems and changes to team rosters. The opening week can also provide the first meaningful look at how teams match up against their division and conference rivals.
How to Follow the NFL Week 1 Schedule
Fans can check the official NFL schedule for updated kickoff times, broadcast information and game details. The league's official schedule page provides the latest information for the 2026 season.
Because some NFL game times and broadcast details can change during the season, readers should check official sources before game day.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Week 1 schedule and matchups 2026 offer an exciting start to the new football season. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will headline the opening game, while NFC and AFC rivalries will give fans plenty to watch throughout the week.
With 16 games scheduled across the opening week, NFL fans can expect plenty of storylines as teams begin their journey toward the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI.
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