"Wall Street Journal media reporter Joe Flint shares news that the first regular-season game of the year will not be in its traditional Thursday night slot. Instead, Week 1 of the NFL's 2026 campaign will begin on Wednesday. The league is squeezing its Australia game in Melbourne into the Thursday night window. There will be no Friday night game this year because of a federal law."
"Traditionally, the league opens its regular season schedule with the defending Super Bowl champion hosting a game on its home turf. Based on recent NFL schedules, the 2026 regular season will likely kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with the defending Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks welcoming one of their nine opponents."
"The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are on the Bears' list of future opponents. Given the ratings draw Chicago was for the NFL's broadcast and streaming partners, the Bears make a ton of sense as the Seahawks opponent in Week 1. Going on the road to start the season against a team fresh off a Super Bowl victory would be quite the early-season task."
The 2026 NFL season will start on Wednesday, September 9, marking a departure from the traditional Thursday night opening. This schedule change accommodates an international game in Melbourne, Australia, which will occupy the Thursday night slot. Additionally, no Friday night game will be scheduled due to federal law restrictions. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are expected to host the season opener, with the Chicago Bears being a likely opponent based on scheduling patterns and their ratings appeal to broadcast partners. This matchup would present an early-season challenge for Chicago, facing a defending champion on the road.
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