The NFL's most ambitious season yet kicks off Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch, a record-setting global schedule and a crowded field of contenders determined to dethrone the Seattle Seahawks.
Seven months after beating the New England Patriots to claim their second Super Bowl title, the Seahawks face the Patriots again Wednesday as they begin a 2026 campaign that will span seven countries across four continents.
Seattle's title defense will face a formidable challenge, with several contenders emerging across the league, including NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams are seeking to repeat their 2022 Super Bowl triumph, this time with the league's championship game returning to their home stadium, SoFi Stadium, in February.
Los Angeles have made an aggressive push to strengthen their roster, adding star defensive end Myles Garrett to an already imposing unit and convincing former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald to return from retirement.
