Why is the NFL starting on a Wednesday in 2026? NFL Week 1 schedule

The 2026 NFL Week 1 schedule is kicking off on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, which is different from its recent typical Thursday opening-game kickoff. Why is the NFL starting the season on a Wednesday in 2026? The Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is on Wednesday because the NFL has scheduled the Los Angeles Rams to take on the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia on Friday, Sept. 11. But due to the time difference, that game is being played at 5:35 p.m. MST (8:35 p.m. ET) on Thursday, Sept. 10 in the United States, prompting the league to move the opener up a day. The Patriots vs. Seahawks game will start at 5:20 p.m. MST (8:20 p.m. ET) on Wednesday at Lumen Field in Seattle. NFL Week 1 picks: Patriots vs Seahawks | 49ers vs Rams | Bears vs Panthers | Buccaneers vs Bengals | Saints vs Lions | Bills vs Texans | Ravens vs Colts | Browns vs Jaguars | Falcons vs Steelers | Jets vs Titans | Cardinals vs Chargers | Dolphins vs Raiders | Packers vs Vikings | Commanders vs Eagles | Cowboys vs Giants | Broncos vs Chiefs | The Republic's predictions Watch Seahawks vs Patriots game on FUBO (free trial) It is the first time since 2012 that the NFL is not starting its season on a Thursday. In 2012, the NFL shifted its opener to a Wednesday to accommodate President Barack Obama's Democratic National Convention speech. The NFL is scheduled to have nine international games in 2026, with the Rams vs. 49ers game the first. It will be the first time the NFL has a game in Australia. NFL Week 1 odds: Patriots vs Seahawks | 49ers vs Rams | Bears vs Panthers | Buccaneers vs Bengals | Saints vs Lions | Bills vs Texans | Ravens vs Colts | Browns vs Jaguars | Falcons vs Steelers | Jets vs Titans | Cardinals vs Chargers | Dolphins vs Raiders | Packers vs Vikings | Commanders vs Eagles | Cowboys vs Giants | Broncos vs Chiefs | Point spreads, moneylines, over/unders NFL Week 1 predictions: Picks, win probabilities for games this week NFL power rankings Week 1: Seahawks, Bills, Rams, Ravens at top NFL Week 1 picks: Predictions, score projections for games this week NFL Week 1 odds: Point spreads, moneylines, over/unders for games NFL's highest paid players in 2026: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Overall | By position | By team Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.