The NFL season officially kicks off tonight. Here are 5 things to watch in the first week of games

NFL Week 1 Opens With Super Bowl Contenders and Major Questions

Activelifezero.com – The NFL season officially kicks off tonight with an international matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The first week of games brings immediate attention to a loaded NFC West, a defending champion facing skepticism and several contenders trying to turn preseason expectations into meaningful results.

Los Angeles begins the year as the Super Bowl favorite, Seattle starts its title defense, and Kansas City enters the season with questions about Patrick Mahomes’ recovery. For San Francisco, the opening game follows an offseason marked by serious disruption away from the field.

The Rams’ New-Look Defense Faces Its First Test

The Rams are listed at +500 to win the Super Bowl, which will be played in Los Angeles for the first time since the franchise captured the championship in 2022. That confidence reflects an aggressive offseason designed to strengthen an already ambitious roster.

Los Angeles traded three draft picks, including a first-round selection, to the Cleveland Browns for pass rusher Myles Garrett. The team then acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in another major deal that cost four draft picks, including a first-rounder.

Aaron Donald’s return from retirement made the unit even more formidable. The 35-year-old, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, had not played since the 2023 season. He now joins Garrett, the reigning winner of the award, on a defense capable of creating constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Still, the Rams must prove they can meet enormous expectations. Teams with similarly dominant preseason outlooks have gone 0-20 over the past 30 years, while Matthew Stafford faces the challenge of following an MVP season at age 38. The NFL season officially kicks into gear for Los Angeles with a matchup that could quickly reveal whether its roster is as complete as it appears.

San Francisco Looks to Refocus After a Difficult Offseason

The 49ers retain a talented core led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, while Mike Evans joins the receiving group. Yet football preparations were overshadowed by a series of off-field developments during the summer.

In July, head coach Kyle Shanahan suffered serious injuries in a car accident, including a severe concussion, broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand and a deep cut near his right eye that required more than 40 stitches.

Owner Jed York was later arrested in Ohio during an undercover prostitution sting. A prostitution charge was amended to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and York entered no-contest pleas to disorderly conduct and possession of criminal tools. He received a two-day jail sentence with credit for time served and was ordered to pay $1,150 in fines.

The club also drew unwanted attention after Daeshon Love was arrested by the FBI on August 24. Love allegedly ran a multi-year romance scam while posing as a 49ers wide receiver. He had no connection to the actual team, but the case added to an already unusual offseason.

On the field, San Francisco must immediately navigate one of football’s most demanding divisions. The Rams, Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals ensure that even a roster with elite offensive talent will have little room for error.

Seattle Begins Its Championship Defense With Something to Prove

The Seahawks dominated last season’s playoffs and defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, but they are not favored to win the NFC West entering 2026. Seattle has the third-best Super Bowl odds, behind the Rams and Bills.

That position could strengthen the underdog mentality that often motivates a defending champion. Seattle returns nearly all of its championship roster, although Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker departed in free agency and signed with Kansas City.

Seattle’s home-field advantage remains a major storyline. The “12th Man” has long made road games in Seattle difficult, while coach Mike Macdonald’s teams have also excelled away from home. Macdonald owns a 15-2 road record through his first two seasons, the second-best mark by a coach over that span.

Why Week 1 Matters Across the League

The NFL season officially kicks off with more than a ceremonial beginning: the opening week provides early clues about health, depth and whether offseason moves can translate into wins. The Rams can showcase their rebuilt defense, San Francisco can begin putting a chaotic summer behind it, and Seattle can show why last season’s championship was no accident.

For fans, the first games also offer the clearest look at how the league’s contenders compare before injuries and midseason adjustments reshape the picture. In a division featuring the Rams, Seahawks, 49ers and Cardinals, every early result could matter later in the playoff race.

NFL Week 1 FAQ

When does the 2026 NFL season begin?

The 2026 season begins tonight with the Rams playing the 49ers in Australia.

Where can U.S. viewers watch Rams vs. 49ers?

The opening game between Los Angeles and San Francisco will air on Netflix.

Which teams are early Super Bowl favorites?

The Rams enter the season as the favorites at +500, with the Bills and Seahawks also among the leading contenders.

Why is the NFC West worth watching in Week 1?

The division includes the Rams, Seahawks, 49ers and Cardinals, creating a competitive race in which early head-to-head results may have playoff implications.