The NFL’s schedule for the first week of September 2026 shows an unprecedented lull, with no games slated for Sunday, Sept. 6, marking the second consecutive Sunday without football since the preseason concluded.
This pause reflects the typical break between the preseason exhibition circuit and the start of the regular season, a period that usually extends into early September before the league resumes full‑scale competition.
What’s on the Horizon
The regular season kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET, when the New England Patriots travel to face the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, a game that will be broadcast nationally on NBC.
Just a day later, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams meet on Thursday night at 8:35 p.m., continuing the early‑season momentum before the league settles into its traditional Sunday rhythm.
The first full Sunday of the regular season arrives on Sept. 13, featuring a 13‑game slate that includes a primetime Sunday Night Football matchup, giving fans a chance to experience the league’s full weekly schedule after the brief hiatus.