The NFL schedule release is just around the corner, and Eagles fans are already buzzing with anticipation. With the official 272-game slate dropping on May 14, it's time to play a little pre-season prediction game: Who will the Eagles face in Week 1 of the 2026 season?

Last year, as Super Bowl champions, the Eagles got the honor of hosting the Thursday night kickoff game. That's not the case this time around. The Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champs, will take that spotlight on September 9. The Seahawks are on the Eagles' schedule this season, but since Philly is the home team for that matchup, Seattle is out as a potential Week 1 opponent.

So, who's left? Let's rank the most likely candidates for the Eagles' season opener. From division rivals to intriguing cross-conference matchups, we're breaking down which opponent would make for the most exciting—and challenging—start to the year. Whether you're stocking up on Eagles gear or just dreaming of game day, this is the kind of speculation that gets the blood pumping for football season.