Chargers Candidate to Open 2026 NFL Season

Reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks have Bolts on list of potential Week 1 opponents

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Chargers are one of nine teams being considered to play the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL season opener. The Seahawks, who won Super Bowl LX, will host the kickoff game on a Thursday night. Other potential opponents include the Patriots, Rams, 49ers, Cardinals, Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, and Bears.

Why it matters

Opening the NFL season is a marquee event, and being selected to play in it would be a major opportunity for the Chargers to showcase their team on a national stage. As one of the league's up-and-coming contenders, facing the reigning Super Bowl champions would be a tough but high-profile challenge.

The details

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the Seahawks have nine potential opponents for the 2026 season opener, including the Chargers. The Seahawks defeated the Patriots 23-13 in Super Bowl LX. In 2025, the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys to open the season, while the Chargers earned a 27-21 win over the Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil.

  • The 2026 NFL season will kick off on a Thursday night.
  • The Chargers played the Chiefs in the 2025 international season opener in São Paulo, Brazil.

The players

Seattle Seahawks

The reigning Super Bowl LX champions who will host the 2026 NFL season opener.

Los Angeles Chargers

One of nine teams being considered to play the Seahawks in the 2026 NFL season opener.

Adam Schefter

NFL insider who reported the Seahawks' list of potential 2026 season opener opponents.

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What’s next

The NFL is expected to announce the full 2026 schedule, including the season opener matchup, in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

Being selected to play in the NFL season opener is a prestigious opportunity that would give the Chargers national exposure and a chance to face the reigning Super Bowl champions. As an up-and-coming team, this would be a high-profile challenge that could help establish the Chargers as one of the league's top contenders.