The NFL has new starting date for the 2026 regular season.
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host a team still to be determined on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. on NBC, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
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It’s only the fifth-game in NFL history that will be played on a Wednesday over the last 76 years, with the most recent occurrence coming when two games (Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers) were played on Christmas Day back in 2024.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants president John Mara general manager Joe Schoen, Jaxson Dart, and head coach Brian Daboll pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference to introduce the Giants first round draft picks in East Rutherford on April 25.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (QB03) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball on the run during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) walks on the field against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart interact after posing for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart meets reporters in East Rutherford, NJ.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft pick, Jaxson Dart, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
25. Jaxson Dart, QB, NY Giants
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) following the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 14: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants speaks with his parents during pregame warm ups prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart talks at his locker following Friday’s practice.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 28, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and running back Cam Skattebo, right, talk before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Nov. 16, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on before opening kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 21: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots talk after the second half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) gets ready for the offense to take the field during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants hands off to Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half in the game during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Week 10: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Giants wore throwback uniforms from the team’s look during the 1980s and ’90s in the 24-20 loss.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to throw a pass during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field prior to the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, December 14, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) talks with interim head coach Mike Kafka during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The NFL had to move this game up because the first ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia, featuring an NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, is taking place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8:35 p.m. ET from the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 11 in Melbourne.
This is the first time the NFL is starting a season on a Wednesday in 14 years, with the last occurrence coming in 2012 when the then Super Bowl champion New York Giants hosted the Dallas Cowboys.
That NFC East showdown was moved up because then-President Barack Obama was scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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The Seahawks are coming off of winning their second Lombardi trophy in franchise history after a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Feb. 8.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 2026 NFL regular season to start on Wednesday, Sept. 9