Seahawks and Patriots open 2026 NFL season in Super Bowl rematch
Seattle returns as defending Super Bowl champion when it hosts New England at Lumen Field on Wednesday.
The New England Patriots will travel to Seattle for the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game, renewing a contest decided by the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Seattle won that meeting 29–13.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET at Lumen Field. Seattle is listed as a 3.5-point favourite, with the over-under set at 44.5 points, although those lines may change before the game.
The fixture is the third following-season Week 1 rematch of a Super Bowl and only the fifth NFL game played on a Wednesday since 1950, according to CBS Sports.
Seattle enters the season as defending champion and retains coach Mike Macdonald. Quarterback Sam Darnold and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba are also returning.
New England is led by Drake Maye, who was the runner-up for the previous season’s most valuable player award. The Patriots’ offensive performance in the Super Bowl, including eight consecutive punts to begin the game, remains part of the backdrop to the rematch.
CBS Sports’ preview includes expert predictions on the game’s total and individual player roles, but those assessments are not established outcomes.
