The NFL’s 2026 season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Only a month away with the Seattle Seahawks opening the season against the New England Patriots, a repeat of Super Bowl LX from February.
One month out. It’s only a matter of time now 😉 pic.twitter.com/xIQluWHFK8
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2026
It also marks the first time the league has started on a Wednesday since 2012 with New England aiming for revenge after losing the Super Bowl
In another Week 1 action, the 49ers will be taking on the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, per NFL. This being a part of a wider drive by the league to stage more games overseas
But the bigger story right now is not the timetable. It is the health. With a month to go before kick-off, injuries in camp matter more than they do later in the year.
At this point, clubs are constructing their rosters based on who can practice, not who they think will be OK eventually which is why this next month is so essential.
Preseason games will give the teams more insight on their backup options and what they’re capable of.
But for most teams, the greater concern is which starters are healthy enough to make it to Week 1
