Mark your calendars, football fans—the 2026 NFL schedule release is almost here, and it's the one day of the year when even the most casual fan gets excited to plan their fall Sundays. While we wait for the full slate to drop, here's everything we already know about the upcoming season, including key dates, kickoff times, and confirmed matchups.
The schedule release has become its own unofficial holiday, serving as the true kickoff to the new season. Trips will be booked, tickets will be purchased, and predictions will fly faster than a Patrick Mahomes touchdown pass. Despite months of football still ahead, the void between now and September will be filled with endless speculation: Can the Seattle Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champions? Will the Kansas City Chiefs bounce back? Which new stars will emerge, and which teams will crack under pressure?
One of the biggest storylines this year is the NFL's historic debut in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams taking on the San Francisco 49ers. That game is set for Thursday, September 10, and promises to be a landmark event for the league's global expansion. Meanwhile, the season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks hosting an opponent still to be announced at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Beyond the marquee matchups, the offseason has been a whirlwind of trades and roster moves that will shape the 2026 season. Key transactions include offensive tackle Tytus Howard heading to the Cleveland Browns from Houston, cornerback Trent McDuffie joining the Los Angeles Rams from Kansas City, running back David Montgomery moving to the Texans from Detroit, and wide receiver DJ Moore landing with the Buffalo Bills from Chicago. These shifts are already fueling debates about which teams improved most during the offseason.
As we count down to the full schedule release, the excitement is building. Whether you're planning a road trip to see your favorite team or just dreaming about fantasy football lineups, this is the moment when the season truly begins. Stay tuned for the official announcement, and start preparing your game-day gear—because football is almost back.