The NFL 2026 season kicks off this week, showcasing the defending champions Seattle Seahawks as they prepare to face the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. This marks the Seahawks' title defense after their February victory, and British coach Aden Durde, the first overseas coach to win the NFL's top prize, expresses excitement for the upcoming challenges.

Durde said, "It's an experience that was unreal... the thirst for the process and for improvement, doing it on a day-to-day basis. Now we get another chance to do that and that's the exciting thing."

Key fixtures include:

• Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots (Wednesday, 01:20 BST, Thursday)
• Los Angeles Rams, favorites for Super Bowl 61, pose a significant threat after last season's playoff clash.

This season's opening game is unique as it features a Super Bowl rematch for the first time since 2016. The kickoff has been moved to Wednesday, a shift from the traditional Thursday start due to the NFL's 2026 schedule conflicts with U.S. broadcasting laws.

Notable upcoming games include:

• Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions at Highmark Stadium next Thursday.
• Kansas City Chiefs' Kenneth Walker returns to Seattle on October 25.

During the holiday season, American football remains a festive staple with:

• Five games during Thanksgiving week and a triple-header on Christmas Day.
• The Rams hosting the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Eve (November 25).
• Netflix streaming five games, including two on Christmas Day featuring the Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers and Denver vs. Buffalo.

The season concludes with a thrilling rematch as the Seahawks host the Rams on December 26.