The 2026 NFL season is underway, and Week 1 has already delivered some unusual storylines. From a Super Bowl rematch to the league's first game in Australia, here are the matchups worth watching this week.
The NFL is back, and the opening week of the 2026 season looks different from a typical Week 1.
The schedule started with a Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, followed by an international matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
The rest of the weekend brings several divisional battles, new coaching situations and some of the league's biggest names back on the field.
49ers vs. Rams: NFL goes to Australia
One of the biggest stories of the opening week is happening far from the United States.
The 49ers and Rams met Thursday at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL's first game in Australia. The matchup brings together two NFC West teams that both finished 12-5 last season.
Los Angeles enters the season with quarterback Matthew Stafford, while San Francisco has Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey leading an offense that will be closely watched throughout the season.
The game also gives fans an early look at several major offseason moves, making it one of the most interesting games of Week 1.
Patriots vs. Seahawks opened the season
The season began Wednesday night with a rematch of the previous Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle entered the game as the defending Super Bowl champion and hosted New England at Lumen Field.
One of the biggest individual storylines was wide receiver A.J. Brown making his Patriots debut after moving from Philadelphia during the offseason.
For New England, the matchup was an early opportunity to see how the new-look offense around quarterback Drake Maye would perform against the defending champions.
Bills vs. Texans is another big matchup
Sunday's schedule includes a major AFC matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.
Buffalo enters the season with Josh Allen at quarterback, while Houston will rely on C.J. Stroud as it looks to make another deep playoff run.
The matchup also features two teams with plenty to prove early in the season, making it one of the games to keep an eye on Sunday afternoon.
Commanders vs. Eagles renews an NFC East rivalry
The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles meet Sunday afternoon in another game with plenty of attention around it.
Jayden Daniels returns for Washington after missing both games against Philadelphia last season, while Jalen Hurts leads the Eagles.
Philadelphia has won back-to-back NFC East titles, but Washington has split the season series with the Eagles in each of the past two seasons.
Cowboys vs. Giants closes Sunday night
Sunday Night Football brings another familiar rivalry when the Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants.
The game will feature Dak Prescott against New York quarterback Jaxson Dart, along with several questions surrounding both teams after their disappointing 2025 seasons.
Cowboys-Giants has been one of the NFL's most recognizable rivalries for years, and opening the season in prime time gives this matchup another big stage.
Monday Night Football
Week 1 wraps up Monday night when the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City enters the season with Patrick Mahomes leading the offense, while Denver will look to build on the progress it made last season.
It is the final prime-time game of the opening week and another early test for two AFC West teams.
Key Week 1 games
| Game | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Patriots vs. Seahawks | Wed., Sept. 9 | 8:20 p.m. ET |
| 49ers vs. Rams | Thu., Sept. 10 | 8:35 p.m. ET |
| Bills vs. Texans | Sun., Sept. 13 | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Commanders vs. Eagles | Sun., Sept. 13 | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| Cowboys vs. Giants | Sun., Sept. 13 | 8:20 p.m. ET |
| Broncos vs. Chiefs | Mon., Sept. 14 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
What to watch in Week 1
Week 1 rarely tells the whole story of an NFL season, but it can give teams an early indication of where they stand.
For fans, there are plenty of reasons to tune in. The defending champion Seahawks have started their title defense, the NFL has opened a new international market in Australia, and several teams are introducing new players and new coaching situations.
The biggest question now is simple: which teams will look like contenders once the first full weekend of football is over?
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