NFL Season Kicks Off Wednesday with Patriots-Seahawks, Rams Face Controversial Australia Travel

The 2026 NFL season is set to begin on Wednesday, September 9th, with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks in the opening game. This marks the second time in NBC Sports' history that the NFL Kickoff Game will be held on a Wednesday, prompting a week-long promotional countdown by the network.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing for a unique season opener in Melbourne, Australia, against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10th. The team's controversial travel plans, which involve arriving late and leaving early, have drawn attention, though head coach Sean McVay has remained tight-lipped on the specifics. This international game is part of a growing trend of NFL regular-season contests held outside North America.