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NFL schedule this week
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
NFL Week 1 2026 opens Sep 9 with Seahawks hosting Patriots. First-ever NFL game in Australia features 49ers vs Rams.
Background
The NFL's 2026 season kicks off with a four-day Week 1 schedule, starting Wednesday and running through Monday night. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks get the traditional opener, and the league plays its first-ever regular-season game in Australia. Netflix begins its multi-year NFL broadcast deal with these games.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026CBS Sports and Yahoo publish Week 1 odds and schedule previews, highlighting key matchups.
- Sep 9, 2026New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. ET, season opener.
- Sep 10, 2026San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, 8:35 p.m. ET.
- Sep 13, 2026Full Sunday slate, including Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants on Sunday night.
- Sep 14, 2026Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos on Monday night.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- CBS Sports' computer simulations favor the Eagles (-4.5) to cover against the Commanders, citing Philadelphia's recent dominance and Washington's defensive transition.
- Caution
- Some analysts note that Washington's defense has up to eight new starters and a scheme change, which could make early-season performance unpredictable.