The new NFL season has arrived, and for the first time, fans in Australia and New Zealand can watch every round on Disney+. ESPN on Disney+ is also carrying NFL RedZone, along with all six international games, the playoffs, Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX.
The 2025–26 campaign opens today at 12.15pm NZST with an NFC East clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia, featuring Australian tackle Jordan Mailata, begin their title defence, while Dallas looks for a fresh start under new coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott missed much of last season with injury, but his return could be key to a playoff push.
The first full slate of games arrives on Monday, September 9, with four matchups back-to-back. That includes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers facing his former side, the New York Jets. Rodgers endured an injury-hit stint in New York and is hoping for better fortune in Pittsburgh, while ex-Steeler Justin Fields is now leading the Jets in what’s tipped to be one of Week One’s most intriguing clashes.
The Jets enter the season with the NFL’s longest playoff drought – 14 years – while Fields faces the pressure of changing that narrative.
Also at 5am NZST, the New York Giants take on the Washington Commanders. Washington rookie QB Jayden Daniels stunned the league last season by leading his side to the NFC title game. With expectations high, he’ll face off against Giants newcomer Russell Wilson, who joined in the off-season, while rookie Jaxson Dart waits for his shot in New York.
At 8.25am NZST, the Detroit Lions meet the Green Bay Packers in a fierce NFC North battle. Detroit went 15-2 last year but fell short of a Super Bowl berth, while the Packers are banking on quarterback Jordan Love to keep their rebuild moving forward.
The day wraps up with a heavyweight AFC clash as the Baltimore Ravens face the Buffalo Bills at 12.15pm NZST. Both sides were strong last season – the Bills went 13-4, the Ravens 12-5 – but fell behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. With questions swirling over whether the Chiefs can maintain their dominance, both Baltimore and Buffalo will be aiming to make an early statement.
The opening round closes on Tuesday, September 10, with the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears at 12.15pm NZST. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams impressed in his rookie year despite a 5-12 record, while the Vikings are pushing to stay competitive in what looks like a tightly contested NFC North.
NFL Week on Disney+
Friday September 5
- 11.30am NZST: NFL Blitz
- 12.15pm NZST: Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles
Monday September 9
- 5am NZST: Pittsburgh Steelers vs New York Jets
- 5am NZST: New York Giants vs Washington Commanders
- 5am NZST: NFL RedZone
- 8.25am NZST: Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers
- 11.30am NZST: NFL Blitz
- 12.15pm NZST: Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills
Tuesday September 10
- 12.15pm NZST: Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears
