The opening week of 2026 is taking shape. We know the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season on a Wednesday night at Lumen Field, and we at least know who they won’t be playing.

Seahawks to kick off 2026 NFL season on a Wednesday night

The Rams and 49ers are opening their season the following day in Australia, so cross off a heated rematch against L.A.

The Chiefs, another 2026 home opponent for Seattle, are also no longer an option. On Monday, Kansas City owner Clark Hunt said “I don’t think that’s on the table anymore” because of uncertainty with Patrick Mahomes’ availability (and who wants to see the Super Bowl champs open the season against a backup quarterback?).

That leaves the Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Chargers, Bears and Patriots.

What makes sense for the NFL?

Too early for a Super Bowl rematch?

The previous year’s runner-up, Kansas City, opened its 2025 season in Brazil against the Chargers. The LVIII runner-up 49ers hit the road against the Steelers, the LVII runner-up Eagles played the Pats on the road, and the LVI runner-up Bengals hosted the Steelers.

The league loves a thriller. The Super Bowl-winning Eagles hosted the hated Cowboys in Week 1 last year. The Chiefs hosted Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and, the year prior, the dominant Lions. The Rams hosted Josh Allen and the Bills. The Pats might have revenge on their mind with Seattle, but there are more tempting options for both teams early.

What feels unlikely?

A bad team (the Cardinals) or a non-playoff team (the Giants). The Chargers feel like a stretch here, though a new and exciting offensive coordinator (former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel) and superstar quarterback (Justin Herbert) against the league’s top defense is a selling point.

What feels more likely?

A high-profile NFC battle. The Cowboys, by virtue of being the Cowboys, are a candidate, but they did just open the season against last year’s Super Bowl winner.

What about the Bears? Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense had a few thrillers and improbable finishes last season, including two incredible games against the Packers. The Bears played the Rams close in the divisional round. They have a million talking points — a young head coach (Ben Johnson) opposite Seattle’s Mike Macdonald, a former No. 1 overall pick (Williams) who’ll be tested against Seattle’s defense, a defense of their own that led the league in takeaways, and a possible tiebreaker scenario should both teams need it for playoff seeding.

So, if I’m making a prediction now? Seahawks and Bears Week 1 in Seattle.

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