The Eagles' 2026 NFL schedule will be revealed on May 14, with predictions about their Week 1 opponent already circulating. The Seattle Seahawks, as the reigning Super Bowl champions, will not be the Eagles' opening game opponent despite being on their schedule.
Key points
Eagles' 2026 schedule to be announced on May 14
Predictions on Week 1 opponent are ongoing
Seahawks will not be the Eagles' opening opponent
Seahawks are hosting the season kickoff game
2026 NFL season starts on September 9
Philadelphia EaglesSeattle Seahawks
PHILADELPHIA − We'll find out the Eagles' schedule on May 14. But until the official 272-game NFL schedule is officially announced, we can't resist predicting whom the Eagles will open their season against.
Last season, we knew, as Super Bowl champions, that the Eagles were hosting the Thursday night game. That was the official kickoff of the NFL season. That is obviously not the case this season as the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champs, are kicking off the season with a home game on Sept. 9.
The Seahawks are on the Eagles' schedule this season. But the Eagles are the home team for that game. So the Seahawks are eliminated as a possible opening opponent.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch as he warms up before playing against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) celebrates his touchdown against Ball State during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) against the Auburn Tigers during pre-game warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Q&A
When will the Eagles' 2026 NFL schedule be announced?
The Eagles' 2026 NFL schedule will be announced on May 14.
Who are the Eagles likely to play in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season?
Predictions are being made, but the official opponent for Week 1 has not yet been confirmed.
Why can't the Eagles open against the Seattle Seahawks in 2026?
The Eagles cannot open against the Seahawks because the Seahawks are hosting the season kickoff game as the reigning Super Bowl champions.
What date does the 2026 NFL season start?
The 2026 NFL season is set to start on September 9.
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Eli Stowers of the Vanderbilt Commodores participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers receives a pass during football pro day at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 20, 2026.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes the catch under coverable by Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine (2) in an NCAA college football game in Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) celebrates a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch as he warms up before playing against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
1 / 9
Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch as he warms up before playing against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
2 / 9
Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) celebrates his touchdown against Ball State during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
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Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) against the Auburn Tigers during pre-game warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Eli Stowers of the Vanderbilt Commodores participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers receives a pass during football pro day at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 20, 2026.
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Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes the catch under coverable by Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine (2) in an NCAA college football game in Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
7 / 9
Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) celebrates a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
8 / 9
Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
9 / 9
Meet Eli Stowers, Eagles second-round draft pick in photos
Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
We also know that the 49ers are playing the Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia. Both of those teams are on the Eagles' schedule this season, so both are eliminated as the Eagles' opening opponent.
That leaves the Eagles with 14 possible opponents. But since the Eagles play their NFC East opponents twice, that's really 11 possible opponents. Here, then, is a ranking, from least likely to most likely, of possible Week 1 opponents:
Eliminated from Eagles' opener
Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
There's no way the NFL schedules Eagles vs. Cowboys as each team's season opener for the second straight season. And since one of the games will likely be in late December, it's doubtful that either the Eagles' home or road game against Dallas will happen on opening weekend.
Sure, this is a really good matchup of two playoff teams from last season, and it would work well in the late Sunday afternoon time slot. But it seems silly to waste this one on a late summer date when you can play this in prime time in the cold and wind of late November or early December. You know, Monsters of the Midway and all that.
The Eagles opened last season against NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys. So an NFC East game could be possible. But I'm guessing that the Eagles play their road game against Washington in London. That game should take place in mid-October. If that's the case, then the second game between the two teams will likely take place in the final few weeks of the season in Philly.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field.
This is another good matchup of 2025 playoff teams that would be better suited for a Monday night or Thursday night game later in the season. Since I'm guessing the Eagles will face Washington in London, the Eagles won't be the Jaguars' opponent there. So why not play this game in early October?
If the NFL wanted to make this a non-marquee game, as it should, this would be a good time to send the Eagles to Arizona. Sure, it could be 105 degrees in the Phoenix area, but the dome will be closed, so that won't be a factor. But I like this game as a Thursday night game later in September or early October.
This game would have some panache to it, especially if Colts QB Daniel Jones is able to return from his torn Achilles. And of course, it's a chance for ex-Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to go against his former team for the first time as the Colts' head coach.
I wouldn't rule out the Eagles opening the season against an NFC East opponent for the second straight season. If they do, the Giants could be the opponent, whether the game is at home or on the road. In fact, why not open the John Harbaugh era against the team in which he made his bones as the Eagles' special teams coordinator and DB coach during the Andy Reid era?
This should be a good game with plenty of intrigue. For one, it would be Reed Blankenship's return to Philly. For another, it would be a huge game for Texans QB C.J. Stroud to prove himself after his 4-interception dud in the Texans' Divisional Round loss to the Patriots.
I like this game as an opener. The Panthers surprised many last season by making the playoffs, albeit with an 8-9 record. But Carolina then loaded up by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips away from the Eagles. It would be a good chance to see if the Panthers are for real this season.
This game has Monday Night Football written all over it. There's the Aaron Rodgers factor. The mercurial QB hasn't announced his decision yet. If he does return, that's TV gold. And of course, having two Pennsylvania teams open the season against each other is good theater as well.
But I don't think it's the likeliest Eagles' opener. If the Eagles get a home game to open the season, it would be the third straight (the Eagles were the home team for the 2024 opener in Brazil). It's not out of the realm of possibility. I just think they're going to open on the road.
Yes, Eagles fans invading Nashville and tearing up Broadway would make for an interesting season opener for the Birds. But it's also intriguing for the rebuilding Titans who are entering Year 2 with Cam Ward as the quarterback with new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, the ex-Giants head coach, and new head coach Robert Saleh.
For the Eagles, there is intrigue too under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and new edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. And, of course, it will most likely be the Eagles' first game without A.J. Brown. How big of a role will the Eagles' first two draft picks in WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers have?
We won't know those and other answers for another four months. But we'll at least know when and where the Eagles will begin answering them.
