As the NFL calendar turns toward the 2026 season, New England Patriots fans are already buzzing about one big question: what's the perfect way to kick off the year? According to CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo, the answer might be a familiar foe under the lights at Gillette Stadium.

DeArdo suggests that a Week 1 home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the most advantageous matchup for the Patriots. "After an offseason of unwanted attention, the Patriots would definitely benefit from a nice season-opening win," he notes. The stats back him up—New England boasts a perfect 3-0 record against Pittsburgh at home in season openers since 2002.

There's a bit of recent history to add spice, too. The Steelers handed the Patriots one of their three losses in 2025 during a Week 3 clash. New England's last win over Pittsburgh came back in Week 14 of the 2023 season, so a chance to reset that ledger right out of the gate would be a powerful statement.

Beyond the numbers, this rivalry has always brought out the best in both teams. A Steelers matchup in Week 1 could set an aggressive tempo for the Patriots' entire campaign, giving the squad a chance to channel that competitive fire from the opening whistle.

If Pittsburgh isn't in the cards, don't rule out a blockbuster alternative: a rematch of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. Either way, the full 2026 NFL schedule drops on Thursday, May 14, with leaks expected to trickle out beforehand. For Patriots fans, the countdown to the ideal opener is officially on.