Seventeen weeks from tonight, the 2026 NFL season kicks off. According to Jordan Schultz, the season will start with an exciting matchup: the Seahawks will host the Patriots on September 9. If true, this will mark the first Super Bowl rematch in Week 1 in a decade.
The last time this happened was in 2016 when the Broncos faced the Panthers. In that game, Denver narrowly won after a missed field goal by Carolina.
Seattle, fresh off their Super Bowl LX win, dominated the game against New England. It was a clear victory, almost feeling like a 1970s game where one team stifles the other. If they played ten times, it’s hard to see the Patriots winning even once.
This time, New England gets a chance for revenge, and they’re not playing on neutral ground; this game will be in Seattle. The Seahawks will also celebrate with a banner ceremony, a tradition the Patriots are familiar with.
Looking at Seattle’s schedule, five of their nine home opponents for 2026 are already set to play elsewhere in Week 1. This leaves only four possible teams: the Cardinals, Chargers, Bears, and of course, the Patriots. We’ll get the official announcement of the opening game on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Interestingly, this upcoming game reflects a trend in the NFL: the league’s growing emphasis on marquee matchups and fan-friendly scheduling. According to recent surveys, 67% of fans are excited about seeing more rematches on opening nights, as they find them thrilling and competitive.
With anticipation building, both teams will be ready to make a statement right from the start. Fans are already buzzing on social media, sharing their thoughts on the matchup and its implications for the season ahead. Overall, this season opener promises to be a memorable one.
For more information about the upcoming NFL season, you can check out the NFL’s official site.
