ESPN's "Monday Night Football" will launch its season on September 14 with a clash between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The game's location, however, remains unconfirmed as the NFL finalizes its 2026 season schedule, which is set for full release on Thursday night.
A significant question for the opener is the readiness of two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL and LCL in his left knee on December 14, an injury that effectively ended Kansas City's playoff contention, but aims to be back for Week 1.
For the Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix is expected to be fit for training camp after breaking a bone in his right ankle on January 18. Denver last season lost the AFC championship game to the New England Patriots, who were subsequently beaten by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
These initial schedule revelations, announced during network upfront presentations, also highlighted other key matchups.
The Buffalo Bills will inaugurate their new stadium on 17 September against the Detroit Lions, marking the start of Amazon Prime Video’s "Thursday Night Football."
The Dallas Cowboys feature prominently, visiting the New York Giants on 13 September for NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" opener and hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, 26 November, on Fox.
Dallas has won its past four Thanksgiving games, including a 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last year.
The late afternoon Thanksgiving game is traditionally the most viewed of the regular season. Last year’s game averaged 57.23 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched regular-season game in league history.
This will be the second straight season Philadelphia will have the spotlight on Thanksgiving week. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles hosted last year's Black Friday game and lost to the Chicago Bears 24-15.
Monday's announcements mean the Cowboys know the dates for three of their 17 games. It was announced a couple of weeks ago their game in Rio de Janeiro against the Baltimore Ravens will take place in Week 3 on Sept. 27 and air on CBS.
