The Dallas Cowboys may end up being a part of strange NFL scheduling decision, and it would be an advantage

The NFL is making a strange decision with the 2026 schedule, and the Dallas Cowboys may end up being involved in it.

The league announced it will hold the NFL Kickoff on Wednesday, Sept. 9, instead of doing on a Thursday as usual. The Seattle Seahawks will host the game after winning Super Bowl LX in February.

The decision to play the kickoff game on a Wednesday is a result of the league's trip to Melbourne, Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. The international matchup will take place Thursday night (ET time, the game will be Friday morning in local time).

Cowboys are a candidate to face the Seahawks

The Seahawks' opponent remains TBD but with the Cowboys being one of their "away" opponents for the 2026 season, they're a strong candidate to be playing on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The Cowboys are the only NFL team with three appearances as the away team in the league’s Kickoff game since 2002. They’ve appeared in the opening game twice since 2021, including last year against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New England Patriots and Chicago Bears are also strong candidates for the matchup. The NFL is expected to announce the full schedule in May.

Brazil game wouldn't be an issue

Many would assume the Cowboys hosting a game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, would prevent them from being a candidate for the league's kickoff game. After all, the Sao Paulo games over the last couple of years have taken place on a Friday in Week 1.

However, the Cowboys' game in Rio is "likely" taking place in Week 3, according to Sports Business Journal. The game is expected to take place on Sunday at the regular 3:25 p.m. ET window.

NFL Kickoff appearance could be a big advantage

If the Cowboys are chosen to play the Seahawks, it would result in an obvious rest advantage, as they'd get a long(er) week of rest. Even if they hypothetically play on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, they'd get an extra day of rest.

Most likely, it would be 11 days of rest assuming the Cowboys play the following Sunday.

The NFL hasn't shied away from dominating the TV schedule, recently emphasizing games on Christmas Day. Now, they could get a hectic Week 1 schedule that could get crazy if they add another Friday game in Week 1.