Photo via Yahoo Sports

Patriots rooting guide for NFL Week 1

The 2026 NFL campaign launched with a packed opening slate, featuring 13 matchups spread across Sunday television broadcasts on CBS, Fox, and NBC, followed by a Monday Night Football duel pitting the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs. Notably, the midweek kickoff game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks ended up recording the smallest television audience for a season opener in four years, potentially impacted by an uncustomary Wednesday evening broadcast slot or limited enthusiasm following their prior Super Bowl 60 encounter.

Looking beyond the initial slate, the Patriots are expected to rebound during Week 2 when they return to their home stadium to host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Other opening-week action included regional broadcasts covering showdowns such as the New York Giants taking on the Dallas Cowboys, the Chicago Bears facing the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints meeting the Detroit Lions, and the Cleveland Browns challenging the Jacksonville Jaguars.