These are 5 storylines to watch as the NFL season kicks off
Let the games begin.
The NFL season officially kicks off Wednesday night in a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Wednesday night's game will jumpstart Week 1 of the highly-anticipated NFL season, which promises to be rife with storylines including legendary franchises in Super Bowl contention, rookies looking to make a name and new venues getting a taste of football across the globe.
Read on for five storylines to watch this season.
How will football be received across the globe as the NFL hosts a record-breaking 9 international games?
The NFL is slated to offer a record-breaking nine games at venues across the globe this season, bringing football to the doorstep of sports fans ranging from South America to Australia.
Melbourne, Australia, will host the opening international game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, as the city sees its first-ever NFL action. Other first-time hosts include Rio de Janeiro and Paris.
International cities that will see NFL return this year include London, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City.
Can the Seahawks carry the Super Bowl momentum into next season?
Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks are reigning Super Bowl champions this year after a dominant run last season, finishing with a 14-3 regular season before a playoff run and commanding Super Bowl win.
Heading into this year, fans will be curious whether Darnold and star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba can keep the fire burning under third-year head coach Mike Macdonald
Can Travis Kelce, the Chiefs bounce back after a down season?
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for redemption this season, following a disappointing result in 2025, where the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs after 10-straight postseason appearances.
Among the questions ahead for the Chiefs will be whether quarterback Patrick Mahomes is able to bounce all the way back from an ACL tear in December.
Also front of mind will be the performance of Travis Kelce, who is returning to the Chiefs for his 14th NFL season at age 36.
Can Fernando Mendoza live up to the hype?
All eyes are sure to be on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza as he awaits his debut moment after becoming the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
With Mendoza not currently slated to start Week 1, he becomes the first quarterback, first-overall pick not to start the first week since 2018, per ESPN.
The former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback is coming off a spectacular season of college football where he led his team to a national championship, throwing for 41 touchdowns and scoring another seven touchdowns on his feet.
Who are the top Super Bowl contenders this season?
The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as Super Bowl favorites this year, putting together a formidable roster which includes linebacker Myles Garrett, defensive end Aaron Donald and returning quarterback Matt Stafford among several offensive pieces.
While any team can make a run for football's ultimate prize, many are looking to Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills, the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks or perennial postseason favorites Philadelphia Eagles to be in contention come February.
Super Bowl LXI will be held on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2027, Valentine's Day, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game will air on ABC and ESPN and will be streamed on the ESPN App and NFL+ on mobile.
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