NFL unveils 2026 Week 1 schedule, Seahawks–Patriots Super Bowl rematch

The National Football League (NFL) released its full 2026 regular-season schedule on May 15, 2026, confirming a Week 1 slate headlined by a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. The 16-game opening weekend features several divisional contests and meetings between projected contenders.

Notable Sunday late-window games are set for Inglewood and Las Vegas on September 13. Early results will offer a first look at how offseason moves and depth-chart decisions translate on the field.

A matchup of the previous season’s Super Bowl participants typically anchors the league’s showcase windows and shapes early narratives around both teams. Beyond the rematch, Week 1 spotlights clubs at different stages of their competitive cycles, from rebuilding rosters to playoff hopefuls aiming to start fast. Coaching staffs will now turn schedule reaction into game-planning as preseason preparations intensify.

Super Bowl rematch headlines opening weekend

Seattle vs. New England returns after February showdown

Seattle and New England will meet again in a reprise of last season’s championship game. The pairing is among the most anticipated of the opening slate, offering a benchmark for the Seahawks’ title defense credentials and an early test of how the Patriots stack up after their run to the league’s biggest stage. With both sides familiar from February’s meeting, coaches and coordinators will look to adjust to tendencies revealed in that game.

Spotlight on Sunday late-window matchups

Cardinals–Chargers at SoFi Stadium

The Arizona Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, September 13, with kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET. The trip presents a significant challenge for Arizona, which enters a transition phase after moving on from quarterback Kyler Murray. The Chargers, by contrast, are expected to contend for a postseason berth, and an assertive performance in the opener would reinforce those expectations.

Arizona’s approach in the opener will draw attention as the staff calibrates its offense and evaluates its quarterback plan. For Los Angeles, gains along the offensive line and defensive consistency are viewed as swing factors for a return to the playoff mix, making Week 1 an early measure of progress.

Dolphins–Raiders at Allegiant Stadium

The Miami Dolphins travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 13, also scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Las Vegas could be led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, while Miami’s offense is expected to feature Malik Willis under center. Analysts project the Dolphins to be in rebuilding mode, making Willis’s performance a key storyline as the club seeks stability on offense.

For the Raiders, improvements along the offensive line and the presence of edge rusher Maxx Crosby set a platform for a potential early-season surge. Playing at home offers an opportunity to set the tone, particularly if the defense can pressure Miami’s backfield and shorten fields for the offense.

Teams will now shift from schedule reaction to game-planning and roster fine-tuning ahead of kickoff. As Week 1 approaches, depth-chart confirmations and health updates will shape expectations, and results from the opening weekend will quickly recalibrate outlooks across the league.