The NFL schedule is out, and Week 1 of the 2026 season is absolutely loaded with can't-miss matchups. Football fans have been waiting for this, and the league delivered a slate that kicks off the year with a bang.

It all starts on September 9, when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks raise their banner against the very team they defeated in Super Bowl 60: the New England Patriots. That's a heavyweight opener that sets the tone for the entire season.

But the surprises don't stop there. For the first time ever, the NFL is taking a regular-season game to Australia. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will take their fierce NFC West rivalry "Down Under," with a kickoff scheduled for around 10:35 a.m. local time. It's a historic moment for the league and a unique challenge for both teams.

From there, the weekend is packed with prime-time classics. The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys renew their iconic rivalry under the lights on "Sunday Night Football," promising a heavyweight bout between two passionate fan bases. And the week wraps up with a "Monday Night Football" showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, a divisional clash that always delivers drama.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for the perfect game to break in your new gear, Week 1 has something for everyone. Get your jerseys ready and mark your calendars, because the 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be unforgettable.