The NFL Regular Season to Start on September 9: Here Are Some Quick FAQs and Tips to Enjoy It

Posted on September 22, 2026

Still got that hang of the 2026 Super Bowl fever? Shake that hangover away because a brand-new season of football action is about to begin! Check out the must-see highlights of the newest NFL season for all die-hards and casual spectators.

  • On September 9, 2026, the Seahawks will face the Patriots in an opening game at their home in Seattle, Washington.
  • Besides the NFL Kickoff Match hosted by the Super Bowl LX champions, an international game will also take place in Melbourne, featuring Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
  • The entire season will feature a total of 17 games per team and 272 total games across the NFL.
  • Games are available for viewing through local TV networks, live streaming packages, or dedicated apps (device- and location-based).
  • Each team will play 17 games for the regular NFL season; Super Bowl LXI takes place on February 14, 2027.

Now, get your cheer banners and jerseys ready, because the ultimate ball action is kicking off very soon. Read more and discover ways to enjoy the sporty season!

Frequently Asked Questions About the NFL Regular Season

What is the NFL and how does it work?

The National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional American football league, with 32 teams competing for the championship. For newbie fans, how the NFL works can be a bit confusing, so here’s a guide to help you understand:

  • 32 Teams: The league consists of two groups of 16 teams, referred to as the AFC and NFC conferences.
  • Regular Season: Each team plays 17 games over 18 weeks.
  • Playoffs: The top teams join a knockout tournament.
  • Super Bowl: The final championship game wraps up the season.

When and where does the NFL regular season start?

The 2026 NFL regular season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. ET.

When did the NFL preseason games start and end?

The 2026 NFL preseason started with the Hall of Fame Game (Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals) on August 6, 2026, and wrapped up with the last exhibition games on August 29, 2026.

How long will the NFL regular season run?

The 2026 NFL season is set to run for 18 weeks, starting September 10, 2026, and running through January 2027. Each of the 32 teams plays 17 games plus one bye week, totaling 272 games overall.

What is a bye week?

A bye week refers to a designated week during a sports season when a certain team doesn’t play any games. The purpose of a bye week is to let players rest, recover, strategize, and plan better for the next matches. It also creates balance within their tight schedules.

Where can I watch NFL regular-season games?

You can view live NFL games on local television, through streaming options, or certain apps, depending on which device you use and your location.

  • Free via local TV networks: CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC channels.
  • Live TV streaming: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV

CBS games can also be streamed live via Paramount+.

Who are the top players in the NFL right now?

The NFL has some big names right now, including the current MVP Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), standout dual-threat quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) and Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), and explosive playmakers such as Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and edge rusher Myles Garrett (Los Angeles Rams).

Who are the best rookies in the NFL in 2026?

In the race for 2026's Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, some of the hottest names include running backs Jeremiyah Love from the Arizona Cardinals and Jadarian Price from the Seattle Seahawks, plus wide receiver Carnell Tate from the Tennessee Titans and quarterback Fernando Mendoza from the Las Vegas Raiders.

When is the Super Bowl happening in 2027?

Super Bowl LXI is happening at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, February 14, 2027.

Who are the current Super Bowl champions?

The Seattle Seahawks from Seattle, Washington, are the defending Super Bowl champions. They defeated the New England Patriots with a final score of 29–13 on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Who will perform at the 2027 Super Bowl?

The NFL has yet to share who will be performing during the halftime show at the 2027 Super Bowl. But you know how rumors and predictions actually make it more exciting, right? Well, after Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl LX halftime show performance, these artists are among the list of possible performers for the 2027 Super Bowl:

  • Miley Cyrus
  • Jay-Z
  • Justin Bieber
  • Taylor Swift
  • Cardi B
  • Lil Wayne
  • Harry Styles

We will update this blog with more predictions (or confirmations) as the Super Bowl season approaches, so stay tuned!

5 fun things to do in California this NFL season.

Whether you're an NFL fan or not, Golden State has so much more to offer you. Exploring California during the sporty season is a lot more exciting, so here are the top experiences you should not miss.

A Disneyland® Resort adventure.

I mean, come on. Every California adventure should start nowhere else but the Happiest Place on Earth. The Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim is sure to add magic and fun to your California experience. And with affordable tickets to unlock that Disney dream, what more could you ask for?

Other essential California theme parks:

Some cozy California cruising.

Apart from its iconic theme parks, California is also known for its spectacular city and coastline views. And what better way to enjoy them than a cozy cruise? Make the most of your California adventure with Skyline Sightseeing and City Cruises . Explore legendary sites like Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, the scenic Marina del Rey, and more. It’s an exciting and relaxing experience you definitely shouldn’t miss!

Hop on a fun city tour.

Is it just me, or are city tours just so underrated in terms of fun and experience? California is huge, so choosing attractions to visit can be challenging. But there's no reason to stress, because you can maximize your California tour with Big Bus Tours and Go City . Choose your dream destinations and enjoy flexible adventures with a single pass. From iconic landmarks to top amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries, it’s the ultimate California experience you won’t want to miss!

Visit museums.

If you love a quiet, yet super interesting and educational adventure in California, visit its top museums. Learn more about arts, artifacts, science, and more at California’s top museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the California Academy of Sciences , and the USS Midway Museum.

Have the perfect fall and Halloween fun.

The majority of the games this NFL regular season take place during the fall season. Make sure to check out the top fall and Halloween events and experiences in California! Experience the fright of a lifetime at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights , dive into spooky adventures at Knott’s Scary Farm, and enjoy some light-hearted scares at Disneyland® Resort’s Halloween Time.

Marine life enthusiasts can also experience Halloween thrills at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego . If you’re into wild adventures, HalGloween at the San Diego Zoo also awaits you!

Make this sporty season more fun and exciting with us!

The regular season of the NFL is kicking off soon, and Super Bowl hype will definitely start early in California. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, the Golden State is a fantastic place to celebrate the sporty season with your friends and loved ones.

Plan ahead and experience the best of California’s top attractions at the most affordable prices. Save up to 55% on admission to your favorite theme parks, zoos, aquariums, seasonal events, and more. Same tickets as the ones sold at the gates, just a lot more affordable. You don’t need to break the bank to have fun. Sign up and get your discounted tickets through FunEx now and have a spectacular, sporty season!