The 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 9, 2026, with a highly anticipated rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. The Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl LX victory, will raise their championship banner before the game.
Why it matters: This matchup is not just a regular season opener; it's a Super Bowl rematch, marking only the third time in NFL history that teams have faced each other in Week 1 after meeting in the previous year's championship game.
Seattle defeated New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, solidifying their status as reigning champions.
Both teams finished the 2025 season with impressive 14-3 records, setting high expectations for the new season.
This game will test the Seahawks' resilience as they navigate injuries to key players.
Driving the news: Kickoff is set for 5:20 p.m. PT on September 9, 2026. The game will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo, with streaming available via NFL+.
Fans can listen to the game on Seattle Sports 710 AM, KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, and the SiriusXM app.
Steve Raible and Dave Wyman will provide the call for local audiences, with Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner on national radio.
State of play: The Seahawks face challenges heading into the season opener due to injuries. Starting safety Ty Okada has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Nick Emmanwori, a versatile defensive back, is questionable as he recovers from an ankle procedure.
Receiver Tory Horton is also questionable, dealing with a hamstring injury.
With Okada out, Julian Love is the only fully healthy safety on the Seahawks' 53-man roster.
The big picture: The Seahawks have depth on their practice squad, with four safeties ready to step in if needed: Rodney Thomas II, AJ Finley, D'Anthony Bell, and Maxen Hook.
Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in the practice squad players, stating, "Everybody that's practiced with us and been here throughout camp, we're excited with where they're at, we feel like they could contribute to us playing great football."
The Patriots are also dealing with injuries; running back TreVeyon Henderson and backup center Ben Brown have been ruled out for the game.
What they're saying: Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald provided insights on the team's preparation and the readiness of players stepping into new roles.
Macdonald noted Emmanwori's progress, saying, "Nick had his most work in the last couple of days. He looks great."
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde emphasized the confidence the practice squad players bring, stating, "They breathe confidence into us as coaches, play callers, head coaches. Everyone sees the work they put in."
By the numbers: The Seahawks have won five of their last seven season openers. Under Macdonald, they hold a 1-1 record in Week 1.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and has 14 wins as a starter.
Seattle committed 28 turnovers in the 2025 regular season, the second-most in the league, but had no turnovers in the playoffs.
What's next: The Seahawks will look to build on their Super Bowl success and start the season strong against a formidable opponent in New England.
Fans can expect an exciting matchup as both teams aim to assert dominance early in the season.
Injuries may impact Seattle's strategy, but the team remains optimistic about its depth and talent.
As the Seahawks prepare to face the Patriots, the atmosphere at Lumen Field is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness the banner ceremony and the kickoff of a new season.