Seahawks Kick Off NFL Season in Prime Time

0:00On March 18th, the Seattle Seahawks will kick off the 2026 NFL season at home on Wednesday, September 9th. Reports say NBC has them slotted for the prime time opener against the yet to be named opponent. Possible matchups include the Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Jeeps, Chargers, or even the Patriots. That shift comes because the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are set to play the first regular season game in Melbourne, Australia on. Thursday night. Scheduling avoids Friday nights due to protections for high school and college games under old broadcast rules. NFL insiders, like Mike Floreo and Chris Sims, are buzzing about ideal foes. They favor fresh rivalries with the Bears, Chiefs, or Chargers to build hype. No one wants a quick rematch with the Patriots after the Seahawks Super Bowl 60 win over them last season. Travel demands are ramping up too, with the 49ers also hosting in Mexico City and more international games planned, like in Madrid.

1:00Experts worry about jet lag hitting top teams hard right out of the gate. As the league eye 16 overseas games a year under the New Labor Deal, fans can expect bold scheduling to keep growing the game worldwide.