NFL Kicks Off Season with Midweek Game, First Aussie Matchup

0:00On March 18th, the NFL is kicking off its season in a rare way this year, with the first game happening on a Wednesday night. It's only the second time in 75 years that's occurred, and the Seattle Seahawks will host that matchup at 8.20pm, Eastern Time On, NBC. Their opponent hasn't been set yet, but it could be one of several teams like the Cowboys, Giants, or Chiefs. This set up echoes back to 2012, when the lead moved a Cowboys Giants game to avoid clashing with a big political speech. Meanwhile, the schedule skips the usual Friday slot that appeared in recent years, keeping things tight early on. Shifting focus overseas, Thursday brings the first-ever NFL game in Australia, pitting the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers. That one starts at 10.20am, Friday local time in Melbourne, which lines up to 8.20pm, Eastern on Thursday back home. Fans are buzzing about this Rams, 49ers clash, since they split their games last season, and both made smart offseason picks to stay in the hunt.

1:05It's a primetime showdown that could set an early tone for the NFC West race. As the full schedule drops soon, we'll learn more about other international spots on the calendar, but for now, this midweek twist has everyone. Talking about how the league is expanding its global reach.