NFL opens season on Wednesday with Patriots at Seahawks matchup
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 6:16 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
The NFL will open its 107th season on Wednesday, September 9, featuring a rematch between the New England Patriots and the defending champion Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The game is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC and Peacock. This midweek kickoff is a rare scheduling occurrence necessitated by an international game in Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams set for the following day. Under league rules, the Super Bowl champion traditionally hosts the season opener, but the time zone difference for the international contest prompted the move to Wednesday to ensure the Seahawks played in the league's first game. This marks only the second time in league history the season has commenced on a Wednesday, the last instance occurring in 2012 to avoid a conflict with a political convention.
- •The New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks at 8:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 9.
- •The game takes place at Lumen Field and will be broadcast on NBC.
- •The NFL moved the opener to Wednesday to avoid conflict with a Thursday game in Australia.
- •This is the second Wednesday season opener in the 107-year history of the league.
- 6:16 PMCBS NFL — Patriots at Seahawks: Why the NFL season is opening on a Wednesday for just the second time in 107 years
- 6:12 PMYahoo Sports — How to watch the Seattle Seahawks opener against New England
"The league shifted the Patriots-Seahawks rematch to Wednesday so the defending champions could open the season ahead of a Thursday night kickoff in Australia.
"The reigning champions take on the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch to start the season, with a unique Wednesday game. Here's why.
Sources
External links- CBS NFLSep 8, 2026, 6:16 PMPatriots at Seahawks: Why the NFL season is opening on a Wednesday for just the second time in 107 years
The league shifted the Patriots-Seahawks rematch to Wednesday so the defending champions could open the season ahead of a Thursday night kickoff in Australia.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 6:12 PMHow to watch the Seattle Seahawks opener against New England
The reigning champions take on the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch to start the season, with a unique Wednesday game. Here's why.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:34 PMChase, Lamb lead Week 1 fantasy football wide receiver rankings- NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:20 PMCowboys trade rumor could lead to blockbuster in-season deal
NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:18 PMBreaking down what the decision to start Tua Tagovailoa means for the Falcons and players involved
NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:17 PMNFL experts predict the NFC North record in 2026
NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:12 PMBaker Mayfield predicted to sign big contract with Buccaneers- NFL•Sep 8, 2026, 7:11 PMCardinals first official depth chart reveals bad news for Jeremiyah Love
