2026 NFL Season Preview: Key Matchups and Predictions

The 2026 NFL season is set to commence on September 9 with a rematch of the Super Bowl, featuring the New England Patriots visiting the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. This season marks the second consecutive year that the league starts on a Wednesday night.

Following the opening game, the Los Angeles Rams will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, as part of a season that includes nine international games, with first-time regular-season matches in Melbourne, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. The regular season will run until January 10, 2027, with each of the 32 teams playing 17 games.

The playoffs will begin on January 16, 2027, culminating in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium on February 14. The Rams are favored to win the championship, bolstered by the return of Aaron Donald and the addition of Myles Garrett. The season also sees the Baltimore Ravens under new head coach Jesse Minter, aiming to strengthen their defense around quarterback Lamar Jackson.