The 2026 NFL season has officially begun, featuring 285 games across eight countries and four continents. With 32 teams vying for supremacy, the countdown to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles is on, promising excitement and drama.

Seven months after the confetti fell at Levi's Stadium, where the Seattle Seahawks celebrated their Super Bowl victory, the league has seen significant changes. Key players like Odell Beckham Jr. returned to the New York Giants, while Myles Garrett made headlines by being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams, joining forces with Aaron Donald.

Notable offseason moves include:

• Mike McCarthy stepping in as head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers.
• Joe Brady taking over as head coach for the Buffalo Bills.
• Jesse Minter replacing John Harbaugh as the Baltimore Ravens head coach.

As the league expands its international reach, it will host nine regular-season games outside the U.S., including historic matchups in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris. The season kicks off with the Seahawks facing the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch.

This season brings renewed hopes for stars like Patrick Mahomes, who looks to bounce back after injury, and Josh Allen, as both quarterbacks aim to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. With numerous questions hanging over franchises, including the potential of the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears, the stage is set for a thrilling season.

Here are some intriguing Week 1 matchups:

• New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks (Sept 10)
• San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams (Sept 11, Melbourne)
• Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (Sept 14)

With the season underway, fans can expect surprises, rivalries, and a chase for the ultimate prize: the coveted Super Bowl ring.