The 2026 NFL season opens on Thursday, September 10 (AEST) with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. The matchup is a direct rematch of Super Bowl LX, setting the tone for a season loaded with championship rematches and historic firsts. Australian fans have extra reason to tune in early this year, with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams meeting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Week 1, marking the first regular-season NFL game ever played on Australian soil.
The full 18-week regular season spans 272 games across 18 rounds, running through January 10-11, 2027 (AEST). A record nine international games will take the league to seven countries and four continents, including first-ever regular-season fixtures in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Madrid. The schedule also introduces a Thanksgiving Eve game for the first time, expanding the holiday football window to five consecutive days. Super Bowl LXI is set for Sunday, February 14, 2027 (Monday, February 15 AEST) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
NFL 2026 Season Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | NFL 2026 Regular Season |
| Opening Game | Thursday, September 10 (AEST) |
| Regular Season Finale | January 10-11, 2027 (AEST) |
| Super Bowl LXI | Monday, February 15, 2027 (AEST), SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA |
| Total Teams | 32 |
| Total Games | 272 |
| Defending Champions | Seattle Seahawks |
| International Games | 9 (record) |
| Playoff Format | 14 teams (7 per conference) |
| Regular Season Structure | 18 weeks, 17 games per team |
How to Watch NFL 2026 in Australia
Australian fans have multiple viewing options for the 2026 season across free-to-air and subscription platforms. Channel 7 remains the official free-to-air broadcaster, delivering selected games via 7mate and streaming on 7plus throughout the regular season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
| Platform | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7plus / 7mate | Selected prime-time games, playoffs, Super Bowl | Free |
| Kayo Sports | ESPN-broadcast games including Monday Night Football | From $25 AUD/month |
| Amazon Prime Video Australia | Thursday Night Football (every week) | $9.99 AUD/month |
| NFL+ Australia | Every game live, replays, NFL Network | From $99 AUD/season |
| DAZN NFL Game Pass | Full season access, all games, on-demand | From $289.99 AUD/year |
| Foxtel / Foxtel Now | ESPN channels, selected games | Subscription required |
For the most comprehensive coverage, NFL+ Australia or DAZN NFL Game Pass provide access to every regular-season and playoff game. Casual viewers can combine 7plus (free) with Kayo Sports for solid weekly coverage without committing to a full-season pass.
Complete NFL 2026 Schedule (All Times in AEST)
The following week-by-week schedule covers all 272 regular-season games. All times are converted to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) for the convenience of local fans. Games from September through early October fall during AEST, while games from October onwards shift to AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) once daylight saving begins.
Week 1 (September 10-15 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks | Thu, Sept 10 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne) | Fri, Sept 11 | 10:35 AM | Netflix |
| Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Sept 14 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Sept 14 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Sept 14 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Sept 14 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Sept 14 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants | Mon, Sept 14 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs | Tue, Sept 15 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
The opening week delivers five straight days of football. The Super Bowl LX rematch between New England and Seattle headlines Wednesday night in the US (Thursday morning AEST). Australian fans get a special treat with the 49ers and Rams clashing at the MCG, the first regular-season NFL game on Australian soil. The NFC East rivalry between Dallas and New York takes the Sunday Night slot, while Denver visiting Kansas City rounds out the week on Monday Night.
Week 2 (September 17-22 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills | Fri, Sept 18 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Green Bay Packers at New York Jets | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Sept 21 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos | Mon, Sept 21 | 6:05 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Sept 21 | 6:05 AM | CBS |
| Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Sept 21 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Sept 21 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Sept 21 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs | Mon, Sept 21 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams | Tue, Sept 22 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
Detroit at Buffalo on Thursday Night is a heavyweight clash between two teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. Kansas City hosting Indianapolis on Sunday Night should reveal the early-season pecking order in the AFC. The Bengals-Texans matchup projects as a high-scoring affair for fans tracking offensive firepower.
Week 3 (September 24-29 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers | Fri, Sept 25 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at Detroit Lions | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Tennessee Titans at New York Giants | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders | Mon, Sept 28 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Sept 28 | 6:05 AM | FOX |
| Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Sept 28 | 6:05 AM | FOX |
| Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys (Rio de Janeiro) | Mon, Sept 28 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Sept 28 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos | Mon, Sept 28 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears | Tue, Sept 29 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
The Ravens and Cowboys head to Rio de Janeiro for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil. Bengals at Steelers is always a physical AFC North contest, and the Eagles visiting Chicago on Monday Night could serve as an early statement game for both squads. The Rams at Denver on Sunday Night brings a cross-conference clash under the Mile High lights.
Week 4 (October 1-6 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns | Fri, Oct 2 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders (London) | Mon, Oct 5 | 11:30 PM | NFLN |
| Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| New York Jets at Chicago Bears | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Oct 5 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Oct 5 | 6:05 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Oct 5 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks | Mon, Oct 5 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Oct 5 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Oct 5 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints | Tue, Oct 6 | 10:15 AM | ESPN |
London gets its first game of the season with the Colts and Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The AFC North rivalry continues with Steelers-Browns on Thursday Night. New England at Buffalo is always a dogfight, and this year’s version carries extra weight with the Patriots coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
Week 5 (October 8-13 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys | Fri, Oct 9 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars (London) | Mon, Oct 12 | 11:30 PM | NFLN |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Cleveland Browns at New York Jets | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| New York Giants at Washington Commanders | Mon, Oct 12 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Oct 12 | 6:05 AM | CBS |
| Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Oct 12 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers | Mon, Oct 12 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks | Mon, Oct 12 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Oct 12 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams | Tue, Oct 13 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
The 49ers visiting Seattle in a late-afternoon NFC West showdown could have major playoff seeding implications down the line. London hosts its second game with the Eagles facing Jacksonville at Tottenham. Bears-Packers is always circled on every NFC North calendar, regardless of either team’s record.
Week 6 (October 15-20 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos | Fri, Oct 16 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars (London) | Mon, Oct 19 | 11:30 PM | NFLN |
| Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at New England Patriots | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| New Orleans Saints at New York Giants | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Oct 19 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams | Mon, Oct 19 | 6:05 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs | Mon, Oct 19 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Oct 19 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers | Mon, Oct 19 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers | Tue, Oct 20 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
Wembley Stadium hosts the AFC South rivalry between Houston and Jacksonville. Dallas at Green Bay on Sunday Night Football is an NFC heavyweight bout under the Lambeau lights in October. The Chargers visiting Kansas City in a late-afternoon AFC West clash adds another layer of divisional intrigue.
Week 7 (October 22-27 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots at Chicago Bears | Fri, Oct 23 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints (Paris) | Mon, Oct 26 | 11:30 PM | NFLN |
| San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Giants at Houston Texans | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Miami Dolphins at New York Jets | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Oct 26 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Oct 26 | 6:05 AM | CBS |
| Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions | Mon, Oct 26 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Oct 26 | 6:25 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks | Mon, Oct 26 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles | Tue, Oct 27 | 10:15 AM | ESPN/ABC |
Paris hosts its first-ever NFL regular-season game with Steelers vs Saints. The Chiefs visiting Seattle on Sunday Night is a potential Super Bowl preview between the AFC’s perennial contender and the defending champions. Monday Night delivers the always-heated Cowboys-Eagles rivalry. This may be the strongest single week on the entire 2026 schedule.
Week 8 (October 30 – November 3 AEST)
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers | Fri, Oct 30 | 10:15 AM | AMZ |
| Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | CBS |
| Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Nov 2 | 3:00 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams | Mon, Nov 2 | 6:05 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos | Mon, Nov 2 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Nov 2 | 6:25 AM | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders | Mon, Nov 2 | 10:20 AM | NBC |
| Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | Tue, Nov 3 | 10:15 AM | ESPN |
Ravens at Bills is a potential AFC championship game preview. The LA Chargers-Rams crosstown matchup always generates buzz locally, and the NFC East battle between Philadelphia and Washington gets the Sunday Night spotlight. Vikings-Lions is a pivotal NFC North clash that could determine divisional control entering the second half of the season.
Week 9 (November 6-10 AEDT)
Note: Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) begins in early October, shifting all times forward by one hour from this point.
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens | Fri, Nov 6 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons (Madrid) | Mon, Nov 9 | 1:30 AM | NFLN |
| Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders | Mon, Nov 9 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Nov 9 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Nov 9 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots | Mon, Nov 9 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks | Mon, Nov 9 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears | Mon, Nov 9 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings | Tue, Nov 10 | 12:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
Madrid enters the NFL schedule for the first time with the Bengals facing the Falcons. That brings the international game count to five different countries through the first nine weeks. Buffalo at Minnesota on Monday Night is a cross-conference showdown between two teams that should be firmly in the playoff picture by November.
Week 10 (November 13-17 AEDT)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders at New York Giants | Fri, Nov 13 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| New England Patriots vs Detroit Lions (Munich) | Mon, Nov 16 | 1:30 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Buffalo Bills at New York Jets | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Nov 16 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Nov 16 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Seattle Seahawks at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Nov 16 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Nov 16 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Nov 16 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens | Tue, Nov 17 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
Munich hosts the Patriots and Lions, continuing the NFL’s German expansion. The 49ers at Cowboys is a legacy rivalry that always delivers in prime time, and the Steelers-Bengals AFC North battle on Sunday Night has all the ingredients for a physical, high-stakes classic.
Week 11 (November 20-24 AEDT)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans | Fri, Nov 20 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Arizona Cardinals at Kansas City Chiefs | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants | Mon, Nov 23 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| New York Jets at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Nov 23 | 8:05 AM | FOX |
| Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos | Mon, Nov 23 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Nov 23 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco 49ers (Mexico City) | Mon, Nov 23 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders | Tue, Nov 24 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
The Vikings and 49ers head to Mexico City for the ninth and final international game of the season, taking the Sunday Night spotlight. Steelers at Eagles is a cross-state rivalry that Pennsylvania fans live for. The AFC South Thursday Night clash between Indianapolis and Houston could determine the division lead heading into the stretch run.
Week 12 (November 26 – December 1 AEDT)
The league’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game headlines a holiday week that stretches five days across three special game windows.
Thanksgiving Eve (New for 2026)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams | Thu, Nov 26 | 12:00 PM | Netflix |
Thanksgiving Day Games
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions | Fri, Nov 27 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys | Fri, Nov 27 | 8:30 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills | Fri, Nov 27 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
Black Friday
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers | Sat, Nov 28 | 7:00 AM | AMZ |
Week 12 Regular Slate
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Nov 30 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars | Mon, Nov 30 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Washington Commanders at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Nov 30 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Nov 30 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers | Mon, Nov 30 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tue, Dec 1 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
The Thanksgiving nightcap between the Chiefs and Bills might be the game of the entire regular season. Two AFC heavyweights on the holiday stage, with the league’s biggest rivalry on full display. Eagles-Cowboys on Thanksgiving afternoon is the rivalry that never gets old. The Packers-Rams Thanksgiving Eve game on Netflix introduces a completely new tradition to the NFL calendar. Australian viewers can catch the Thanksgiving Eve game at noon AEDT on Thursday and the full Thanksgiving slate from early Friday morning.
Week 13 (December 4-8 AEDT)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams | Fri, Dec 4 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Washington Commanders at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Dec 7 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Dec 7 | 8:05 AM | FOX |
| Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos | Mon, Dec 7 | 8:05 AM | FOX |
| Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Dec 7 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots | Mon, Dec 7 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Dec 7 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | Tue, Dec 8 | 12:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
December football carries a different intensity. Buffalo at New England in the late window is a cold-weather AFC East brawl with playoff implications written all over it. Houston at Pittsburgh on Sunday Night could determine wild-card positioning, and Dallas visiting Seattle on Monday Night is a cross-conference grudge match between two teams with postseason ambitions.
Week 14 (December 11-15 AEDT)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots | Fri, Dec 11 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Denver Broncos at New York Jets | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Houston Texans at Washington Commanders | Mon, Dec 14 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Dec 14 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals | Mon, Dec 14 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks | Mon, Dec 14 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Dec 14 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers | Mon, Dec 14 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars | Tue, Dec 15 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
Buffalo at Green Bay on Sunday Night Football is a marquee cross-conference showdown. Two cold-weather franchises, likely both in the playoff hunt, going at it in December at Lambeau Field. The Rams visiting the 49ers in a late-afternoon NFC West battle could effectively serve as a divisional championship game.
Week 15 (December 18-22 AEDT)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers | Fri, Dec 18 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles | Sun, Dec 20 | 9:00 AM | FOX |
| Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills | Sun, Dec 20 | 12:20 PM | CBS |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Cleveland Browns at New York Giants | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders | Mon, Dec 21 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Dec 21 | 8:05 AM | FOX |
| Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams | Mon, Dec 21 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Dec 21 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings | Mon, Dec 21 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs | Tue, Dec 22 | 12:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
Saturday football returns with a doubleheader featuring Seattle at Philadelphia and Chicago at Buffalo. Lions-Vikings on Sunday Night is a game that could clinch the NFC North title. Ravens at Steelers is always a war of attrition, and in Week 15 with playoff spots on the line, expect nothing less than their best.
Week 16 (December 25-29 AEDT)
The holiday period dominates Week 16, with three Christmas Day games headlining a packed schedule across five days.
Christmas Day Games
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears | Fri, Dec 26 | 5:00 AM | Netflix |
| Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos | Fri, Dec 26 | 8:30 AM | Netflix |
| Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks | Fri, Dec 26 | 12:15 PM | FOX |
Week 16 Remaining Fixtures
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans at Philadelphia Eagles | Fri, Dec 25 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| TBD | Sun, Dec 27 | 8:30 AM | NFLN |
| TBD | Sun, Dec 27 | 12:00 PM | NFLN |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens | Mon, Dec 28 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Dec 28 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints | Mon, Dec 28 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New England Patriots at New York Jets | Mon, Dec 28 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders | Mon, Dec 28 | 8:05 AM | FOX |
| San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs | Mon, Dec 28 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Dec 28 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| New York Giants at Detroit Lions | Tue, Dec 29 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
Netflix handles the Christmas tripleheader, anchored by the NFL’s oldest rivalry between the Packers and Bears. The Rams at Seattle is a 2025 NFC Championship Game rematch, carrying playoff intensity in late December. San Francisco at Kansas City in the late Sunday window screams Super Bowl preview. Australian fans can catch all three Christmas Day games from early Friday morning through to lunchtime AEDT.
Week 17 (January 1-5 AEDT, 2027)
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals | Fri, Jan 1 | 12:15 PM | AMZ |
| TBD | Sun, Jan 3 | 8:30 AM | NBC |
| TBD | Sun, Jan 3 | 12:00 PM | Peacock |
| Washington Commanders at Jacksonville Jaguars | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Denver Broncos at New England Patriots | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Date TBD | TBD | TBD |
| New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans | Mon, Jan 4 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals | Mon, Jan 4 | 8:05 AM | CBS |
| Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears | Mon, Jan 4 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers | Mon, Jan 4 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers | Tue, Jan 5 | 12:15 PM | ESPN |
New Year’s Eve football features Ravens-Bengals, two AFC North rivals likely fighting for playoff positioning. Denver at New England is a 2025 AFC Championship Game rematch. Eagles at 49ers on Sunday Night could be a game with the No. 1 seed on the line. The stakes reach their peak in the penultimate week.
Week 18 (January 10-11 AEDT, 2027)
All 16 games are divisional matchups, as is NFL tradition for the regular-season finale. Specific kickoff times will be announced closer to the week based on playoff implications.
| Match | Date (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals | TBD | TBD |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens | TBD | TBD |
| New York Jets at Buffalo Bills | TBD | TBD |
| Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers | TBD | TBD |
| Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals | TBD | TBD |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos | TBD | TBD |
| Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers | TBD | TBD |
| Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans | TBD | TBD |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts | TBD | TBD |
| Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs | TBD | TBD |
| Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams | TBD | TBD |
| Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings | TBD | TBD |
| Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots | TBD | TBD |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints | TBD | TBD |
| Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants | TBD | TBD |
| Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders | TBD | TBD |
Confirmed Broadcast Windows
| Slot | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat, Jan 10 | 5:00 AM | Netflix |
| Game 2 | Sat, Jan 10 | 8:30 AM | ESPN/ABC |
| Game 3 | Sat, Jan 10 | 12:00 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| Game 4 | Mon, Jan 11 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Game 5 | Mon, Jan 11 | 5:00 AM | FOX |
| Game 6 | Mon, Jan 11 | 8:25 AM | CBS |
| Game 7 | Mon, Jan 11 | 8:25 AM | FOX |
| Game 8 | Mon, Jan 11 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
Seattle at Los Angeles Rams is a 2025 NFC Championship rematch, a fitting way to close the regular season. Every game matters in Week 18, and the NFL will flex the most consequential matchups into prime windows once the playoff picture crystallizes.
NFL 2026 International Games
The 2026 season features a record nine international games across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. Three cities host NFL regular-season games for the first time.
| Match | Week | Venue | City, Country | Date (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams | 1 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne, Australia | Fri, Sept 11 |
| Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys | 3 | TBD | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Mon, Sept 28 |
| Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders | 4 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London, UK | Mon, Oct 5 |
| Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars | 5 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London, UK | Mon, Oct 12 |
| Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars | 6 | Wembley Stadium | London, UK | Mon, Oct 19 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints | 7 | TBD | Paris, France | Mon, Oct 26 |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons | 9 | TBD | Madrid, Spain | Mon, Nov 9 |
| New England Patriots vs Detroit Lions | 10 | Allianz Arena | Munich, Germany | Mon, Nov 16 |
| Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco 49ers | 11 | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, Mexico | Mon, Nov 23 |
The Melbourne game in Week 1 is the headline event for Australian fans. The 49ers and Rams bring their NFC West rivalry to the MCG, giving local audiences a front-row seat to one of the NFL’s most competitive divisional matchups. The game kicks off at 10:35 AM AEST on Friday, September 11, making it one of the most accessible NFL games ever for Australian viewers in terms of timezone convenience.
NFL 2026 Thanksgiving Games
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams (Thanksgiving Eve) | Thu, Nov 26 | 12:00 PM | Netflix |
| Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions | Fri, Nov 27 | 5:00 AM | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys | Fri, Nov 27 | 8:30 AM | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills | Fri, Nov 27 | 12:20 PM | NBC |
| Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers (Black Friday) | Sat, Nov 28 | 7:00 AM | AMZ |
The Thanksgiving slate spans three days for the first time in NFL history. The Packers-Rams Thanksgiving Eve game on Netflix debuts as a brand-new tradition on Wednesday night in the US (Thursday lunchtime AEDT). The nightcap between the Chiefs and Bills on Thanksgiving itself could be the best game of the entire regular season, with two legitimate Super Bowl contenders meeting on the holiday stage.
NFL 2026 Christmas Day Games
| Match | Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | US Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears | Fri, Dec 26 | 5:00 AM | Netflix |
| Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos | Fri, Dec 26 | 8:30 AM | Netflix |
| Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks | Fri, Dec 26 | 12:15 PM | FOX |
Netflix handles a Christmas tripleheader, anchored by the NFL’s oldest rivalry between the Packers and Bears. The Rams visiting Seattle is a 2025 NFC Championship rematch. All three games fall on Friday morning to lunchtime AEDT, making it a convenient viewing window for Australian fans on Boxing Day.
NFL 2026 Playoff Schedule
| Round | US Date | AEDT Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Round | January 16-18, 2027 | January 17-19, 2027 |
| Divisional Round | January 23-24, 2027 | January 24-25, 2027 |
| Conference Championships | January 31, 2027 | February 1, 2027 |
| Super Bowl LXI | February 14, 2027 | February 15, 2027 |
Super Bowl LXI takes place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, February 14, 2027 (US time). Australian viewers can expect kickoff on Monday morning, February 15 AEDT, with coverage on 7plus (free), Kayo Sports, and NFL+ Australia.
NFL 2026 Conferences and Divisions
The 32 NFL teams are split into two conferences of 16 teams each, with four divisions of four teams in every conference.
American Football Conference (AFC)
| Division | Teams |
|---|---|
| AFC East | Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets |
| AFC North | Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers |
| AFC South | Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans |
| AFC West | Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers |
National Football Conference (NFC)
| Division | Teams |
|---|---|
| NFC East | Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders |
| NFC North | Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings |
| NFC South | Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| NFC West | Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks |
How the NFL Schedule Works
Every team plays 17 games across 18 weeks, with one bye week built into the calendar. The scheduling formula ensures competitive balance while preserving rivalional rivalries.
| Component | Games | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Division opponents | 6 | Home and away vs three division rivals |
| Rotating intraconference division | 4 | Full division on a 3-year cycle |
| Rotating interconference division | 4 | Full division on a 4-year cycle |
| Intraconference standings-based | 2 | Matched by prior year’s finish |
| Interconference standings-based | 1 | Matched by prior year’s finish (rotating) |
| Total | 17 |
This structure means last year’s winners face tougher schedules the following season, a deliberate mechanism for maintaining competitive parity across the league.
Key Highlights of the NFL 2026 Schedule
The 2026 season packs several historic firsts and marquee features that set it apart from previous campaigns. The Wednesday season opener is the first since 2012, with New England visiting Seattle in a Super Bowl LX rematch. A record nine international games span four continents, including the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Thanksgiving Eve debut on Netflix creates a brand-new holiday tradition, while 13 Super Bowl rematches are baked into the 272-game slate.
Netflix expands its NFL portfolio significantly, picking up the Thanksgiving Eve game, the Christmas Day doubleheader, and Week 18 fixtures. The holiday football window in Week 12 spans five consecutive days from Wednesday through Monday, featuring Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, and Black Friday games. All 16 Week 18 games are divisional matchups, ensuring maximum drama on the final weekend of the regular season.
Conclusion: The 2026 NFL Season Brings 272 Games, Record International Expansion, and Historic Holiday Firsts
The 2026 NFL schedule delivers one of the most ambitious seasons in league history, combining blockbuster rivalries with unprecedented global reach. The Melbourne Cricket Ground opener gives Australian fans a home-soil NFL experience for the first time, while games in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Madrid, and Munich continue the league’s expansion across four continents.
The Thanksgiving Eve debut and five-day holiday football window represent the next evolution of the NFL’s calendar, and 13 Super Bowl rematches ensure meaningful matchups from Week 1 through Week 18. The NFC West could emerge as the league’s most competitive division, with the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers clashing repeatedly through the closing weeks.
Kansas City and Buffalo remain the AFC’s standard-bearers, and their Thanksgiving showdown may prove to be the signature game of the entire regular season. With Super Bowl LXI set for SoFi Stadium in February, the road to the championship runs through 18 weeks of relentless competition.
