NFL 2026 Season: Start Date, Schedule & Thursday Night Football
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🏈 NFL SEASON COUNTDOWN
The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday, September 9 in Seattle. Preseason is underway now.
18 weeks · 272 games · TNF on Prime Video
Quick Answer
The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday, September 9 in Seattle, with an 18-week, 272-game regular season that ends January 9-10, 2027. Thursday Night Football streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video — free for Prime members — with 18 contests (16 Thursday games plus one Friday game).
Football season is nearly here. The NFL's 2026 schedule was released on May 14, 2026, and with the preseason underway, fans are searching for dates, matchups, and how to watch. Here's everything you need to know.
2026 NFL Season: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Schedule released | May 14, 2026 |
| Preseason | August 2026 |
| Kickoff game | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (Seattle) |
| Week 1 | September 10-14, 2026 |
| Week 18 (final) | January 9-10, 2027 |
Thursday Night Football 2026
- 📺 Platform: Amazon Prime Video exclusively — free for Prime members
- 🗓️ Schedule: 18 total contests — 16 Thursday games plus one Friday game
- ⭐ Teams featured: Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, Cowboys, Eagles, 49ers and more
- 📅 Start: TNF action begins in Week 2 after the kickoff game
How to Watch NFL 2026
| Package | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Prime Video (TNF) | All Thursday Night Football games — free with Prime |
| NFL+ | Mobile local & primetime games, NFL RedZone, NFL Network |
| Network TV | Sunday games on CBS, FOX, NBC (Sunday Night Football) |
| ESPN/ABC | Monday Night Football |
FAQ — NFL 2026 Season
When does the NFL 2026 season start?
The NFL 2026 season kicks off on Wednesday night, September 9, 2026, in Seattle. The 18-week, 272-game regular season concludes January 9-10, 2027, with Week 18 division games.
What is the 2026 NFL schedule?
The 2026 NFL season features 18 weeks and 272 regular-season games, released May 14, 2026. Week 18 (January 9-10, 2027) features 16 division games to close the season.
Where can I watch Thursday Night Football 2026?
Thursday Night Football airs exclusively on Amazon Prime Video — free for Prime members. The 2026 TNF slate includes 18 total contests, with 16 on Thursday nights plus one Friday game.
Who plays in the NFL 2026 kickoff game?
The 2026 NFL season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9 in Seattle with the Seahawks hosting the opening game of the season.
What are the 2026 NFL playoff dates?
The regular season ends January 10, 2027. The Super Bowl typically follows in early February 2027. Exact playoff dates are confirmed by the NFL closer to the season.
