2026 NFL season primer: Rule changes, notable games and more things to know entering Week 1

Congratulations on making it through the NFL offseason! As the league embarks on a new campaign on Wednesday it is time to make sure everyone is up to speed on all the changes that unfolded over the last seven months.

In some ways, it is hard to believe it has been that long since the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots and hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The NFL is such a year-round operation that it dominated headlines even in its quietest months.

There are a few new rules to learn before the Seahawks and Patriots return to the field in the first game of the 2026 season. There are also some schedule quirks unique to the upcoming campaign that everyone needs to be familiar with ahead of time. This year also brings a large batch of fresh uniforms and the opening of the doors to a new stadium.

Here are all of the changes to know ahead of the 2026 season.

Of the five playing rules changes the NFL approved at the Annual League Meeting in March, only four will actually apply to the 2026 season. The fifth would have permitted the league office to correct clear officiating…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/