What happened: The defending champion Seattle Seahawks start their title defense at home in a rematch of Super Bowl LX. The Sept. 9 game moves the league's usual Thursday launch forward by one day.
Why it matters: The rare placement clears Thursday for the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. Seattle will have 11 days before its Week 2 game.
By the numbers: Seattle won Super Bowl LX 29-13. The 2026 opener is the NFL's first Wednesday kickoff game since 2012.
What to watch: Pregame attention turns to Seattle's final injury designations and inactive list.