The first major leaks of the 2026 NFL schedule have already sparked significant buzz across the league. Before the full schedule release on May 14, several marquee games surfaced, including the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl banner night and another huge prime-time spot for the Dallas Cowboys. The early leaks also confirmed the NFL's continued push toward international games and streaming broadcasts.
Seattle Opens Season as Defending Champions
Seattle will open the 2026 NFL season on September 9 at Lumen Field. NBC will air the game as the Seahawks celebrate their Super Bowl LX victory. The opponent has not leaked yet, but the league clearly wants the defending champions front and center to begin the season. This marks the first time since 2023 that a defending champion opens the season at home on a Thursday night.
Cowboys Land Another Spotlight Game
Another headline matchup leaked on Monday when NBC confirmed the New York Giants will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 1. The game immediately grabbed attention because it marks John Harbaugh's first regular-season game as Giants head coach. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart could face one of the toughest opening tests possible against a Dallas defense that added Caleb Downs during the offseason.
NBC announced the matchup during its May 11 coverage of the 2026 NFL schedule release. The network called it one of the league's biggest opening-week rivalries, and the NFL clearly agrees. Dallas continues to dominate national television windows thanks to strong ratings and national interest, despite recent playoff struggles.
International Expansion Continues
Meanwhile, the league's international plans also became clearer. Reports from The Athletic on May 7 revealed that Netflix will exclusively stream the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers game from Melbourne, Australia, on September 10. That matchup will become the NFL's first regular-season game played in Australia.
The NFL had already announced the host teams for all nine international games earlier this offseason through NFL.com. The league will visit England, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia during the 2026 season. One of the biggest reveals includes the Cowboys facing the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Streaming Dominance Grows
Streaming companies also continue to gain power in the NFL schedule rollout. Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Peacock will all carry exclusive games or special broadcasts this season. The NFL continues placing high-profile teams and quarterbacks in major television and streaming windows as the league expands its global reach.
More Leaks Expected
More leaks will arrive before Thursday's full schedule release, but the NFL has already succeeded in creating major hype around the 2026 season. Fans can expect additional prime-time matchups and international games to be revealed in the coming days.
