NFL Week 1 2026: Schedules and where to watch all the weekend games

The 2026 - 2027 NFL season kicks off with a 16-game Week 1 ranging from conference matchups with a playoff feel to division rivalries steeped in history.

With the standings starting from scratch, everything is yet to be written, and the first weekend of action sets the tone for what’s to come. Here’s the complete guide: who’s playing, what time, and where to watch it.

NFL Week 1 Games: Date, time, and where to watch

New England Patriots - Seattle Seahawks

Time : 8:20 p.m. ET (7:20 p.m. CT and 5:20 p.m. PT)

San Francisco 49ers - Los Angeles Rams

Time : 8:35 p.m. ET (7:35 p.m. CT and 5:35 p.m. PT)

Stadium : Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cincinnati Bengals

Time : 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT and 10:00 a.m. PT)

New Orleans Saints - Detroit Lions

New York Jets - Tennessee Titans

Baltimore Ravens - Indianapolis Colts

Stadium : Lucas Oil Stadium

Atlanta Falcons - Pittsburgh Steelers

Stadium : Acrisure Stadium

Chicago Bears - Carolina Panthers

Stadium : Bank of America Stadium

Cleveland Browns - Jacksonville Jaguars

Stadium : EverBank Stadium

Buffalo Bills - Houston Texans

Stadium : Reliant Stadium

Miami Dolphins - Las Vegas Raiders

Time : 4:25 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT and 1:25 p.m. PT)

Stadium : Allegiant Stadium

Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Vikings

Time : 4:25 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT and 13:25 p.m. PT)

Stadium : U.S. Bank Stadium

Washington Commanders - Philadelphia Eagles

Stadium : Lincoln Financial Field

Arizona Cardinals - Los Angeles Chargers

Dallas Cowboys - New York Giants

Stadium : MetLife Stadium

Denver Broncos - Kansas City Chiefs

Time : 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT and 5:15 p.m. PT)

Stadium : Arrowhead Stadium

Where to watch : ESPN and ABC

The can't-miss games of NFL Week 1

Chiefs vs Broncos at Arrowhead

If there is one game that draws the spotlight in Week 1, it is the Kansas City Chiefs–Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. It is the final game of the week and brings with it the emotional weight of an AFC West rivalry, where every point can matter in the divisional race that unfolds throughout the entire season.

The Chiefs rely on their usual backbone: QB Patrick Mahomes remains the engine of the offense, backed by veteran tight end Travis Kelce, one of the deadliest connections in the league over the past decade.

In the backfield, Kenneth Walker III appears to provide balance to the ground attack, while through the air Rashee Rice and the speedy Xavier Worthy bring a vertical threat. Up front, the offensive line led by Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith looks to give Mahomes the time he needs.

Arrowhead is one of the loudest stadiums in the league, and playing at home there is always a tangible advantage for Kansas City. Denver, for its part, comes in with the task of stealing a result in hostile territory from Week 1.

Bills vs Texans in Houston

The Houston Texans - Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium pits two organizations with serious ambitions against each other. Buffalo puts its franchise player on the field, quarterback Josh Allen, a player capable of deciding games both with his arm and his legs.

Around him, running back James Cook carries the ground game, while the receiving corps led by Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and DJ Moore, plus tight end Dalton Kincaid, give Allen a full range of options. The line, with veterans like Dion Dawkins, protects the team’s most valuable piece.

Eagles vs Commanders at Lincoln Field

At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders in a direct NFC East clash.

Philadelphia relies on quarterback Jalen Hurts and one of the most feared offensive duos in the league: running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, with tight end Dallas Goedert as an additional weapon in short-yardage areas.

The monstrous offensive line, with Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, is the envy of the league. Winning at home from the start would be a strong statement in a division that is often decided by small details.