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Patriots vs. Seahawks: NFL's First Wednesday Night Kickoff in 107 Years
Confirmed
In Short: The NFL is set to kick off its 107th season with a unique twist: the first game of the year will be played on a Wednesday, marking just the second time in league history.
The NFL is set to make history with its first Wednesday night kickoff in 107 years, as the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026. According to reports, this decision was made to ensure the defending champions, the Patriots, would play the first game of the season. The move comes after the Seahawks secured a 10-game winning streak, culminating in their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
The NFL's choice to play on a Wednesday was not without controversy. In a creative promotional move, NBC and Peacock aired a commercial featuring Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth alongside a Hump Day camel, humorously reminding viewers of the unusual game time. The decision to move the game to Wednesday was also influenced by the time difference between Australia, where the game would have been played on a Friday, and the United States, where it would be a Thursday night kickoff.
The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on NFL Plus, marking a significant departure from the traditional Sunday game schedule. This unique scheduling decision highlights the NFL's willingness to experiment with its broadcast strategy to maintain viewer interest and accommodate different time zones.
For the Patriots, the game presents an opportunity for key players like Romeo Doubs to assert their importance. Doubs, who recently signed a 4-year, $135 million extension, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's defense. His ability to set the tone in the secondary could be pivotal in shaping the game's tempo and keeping the offense on schedule.
The Seahawks, on the other hand, are looking to build on their recent success. With a 10-game winning streak and a Super Bowl victory, the team is eager to continue its momentum. The game will be a test of individual matchups, particularly on the perimeter, where Doubs' presence could be decisive.
In summary, the NFL's decision to play the first game of the season on a Wednesday is a bold move that reflects the league's commitment to innovation. The Patriots and Seahawks face off in a game that could set the tone for the entire season, with Doubs playing a central role in the outcome.
What's confirmed
- The NFL is set to make history with its first Wednesday night kickoff in 107 years, as the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026. According to reports, this decision was made to ensure the defending champions, the Patriots, would play the first game of the season. The move comes after the Seahawks secured a 10-game winning streak, culminating in their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
- The NFL's choice to play on a Wednesday was not without controversy. In a creative promotional move, NBC and Peacock aired a commercial featuring Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth alongside a Hump Day camel, humorously reminding viewers of the unusual game time. The decision to move the game to Wednesday was also influenced by the time difference between Australia, where the game would have been played on a Friday, and the United States, where it would be a Thursday night kickoff.
- The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on NFL Plus, marking a significant departure from the traditional Sunday game schedule. This unique scheduling decision highlights the NFL's willingness to experiment with its broadcast strategy to maintain viewer interest and accommodate different time zones.
- For the Patriots, the game presents an opportunity for key players like Romeo Doubs to assert their importance. Doubs, who recently signed a 4-year, $135 million extension, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's defense. His ability to set the tone in the secondary could be pivotal in shaping the game's tempo and keeping the offense on schedule.
- The Seahawks, on the other hand, are looking to build on their recent success. With a 10-game winning streak and a Super Bowl victory, the team is eager to continue its momentum. The game will be a test of individual matchups, particularly on the perimeter, where Doubs' presence could be decisive.
- In summary, the NFL's decision to play the first game of the season on a Wednesday is a bold move that reflects the league's commitment to innovation. The Patriots and Seahawks face off in a game that could set the tone for the entire season, with Doubs playing a central role in the outcome.
What's still developing
- Football starts Wednesday 😉 NEvsSEA – Wednesday 8:20pm ET on NBC/Peacock Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/muayov8Npk The opening game between the Seahawks and Patriots will be televised by NBC, which ended up taking its two lead NFL announcers -- Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth -- and throwing them in a commercial with the Hump Day camel in order to remind everyone that the first game of the year is being played on a Wednesday.
- For just the second time in league history, the NFL will be kicking off on a Wednesday, so be sure to mark your calendar for 8:20 p.m.
- The Giants earned the right to host the opener in 2012 after beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl, which is exactly what the Seahawks did to earn the NFL opener this year.
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- The Patriots can lean on Stevenson on early downs and in the passing game, which gives him a direct path to shaping tempo and keeping the offense on schedule.