The wait is finally over for football fans across America. The 2026 NFL regular season officially kicks off tonight, September 9, with a rare Wednesday primetime showdown that promises to deliver fireworks from the very first snap.
This marks only the second time in the league’s 107 year history that the season has started on a Wednesday, making tonight’s event a true piece of gridiron history.
NFL games today: Seahawks vs Patriots
The reigning champion Seattle Seahawks will raise their banner in front of a raucous home crowd at Lumen Field. Their opponents, the New England Patriots, are hungry for revenge after falling to Seattle in Super Bowl LX just seven months ago.
With Sam Darnold and Drake Maye leading two of the league’s most dynamic offenses, this opener has all the ingredients of an instant classic.
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How to watch the 2026 NFL kickoff game: Patriots at Seahawks
Catch every moment of tonight’s action with these broadcast and streaming options. Pregame coverage begins at 7:00 PM EDT (6:00 PM CDT) on NBC, with kickoff set for 8:20 PM EDT (7:20 PM CDT).
· National television: NBC, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call.
· Streaming services: Peacock, fuboTV (free trial available), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV.
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· League platform: NFL+ for mobile and tablet viewing.
A Super Bowl rematch with high takes for both sides
The Seahawks enter as the team to beat after capturing their second Lombardi Trophy. Seattle returns quarterback Sam Darnold and star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, though they will need to adjust after losing running back Kenneth Walker III in the offseason.
Their lockdown defense, which was instrumental in last year’s championship run, looks to pick up right where it left off.
For the Patriots, this game represents a shot at redemption and a statement of intent. Head coach Mike Vrabel, now in his second season, orchestrated a stunning turnaround from 4-13 to 14-3 last year.
Quarterback Maye finished second in MVP voting while leading the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating.
The biggest news in New England came via the offseason trade market. The additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs have transformed the Patriots’ receiving corps into one of the most dangerous units in football.
That firepower will be tested immediately against Seattle’s physical secondary.
A full week of football awaits
Tonight is just the opening act of a jam packed Week 1 schedule. Here is the rest of the primetime slate to mark on your calendars:
· Thursday night (September 10): San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
· Sunday night (September 13): Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants on NBC.
· Monday night (September 14): Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs on ESPN.
The full Sunday afternoon slate features all 32 teams in action, with regional broadcasts on CBS and Fox. Football is officially back, and the 2026 season promises to be one for the ages.
