Above Image Credit: Sporting News
When: Wednesday, Sept. 9th, 8:20 PM EST
Where: Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
How to Watch: NBC/Peacock
The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday night with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl 60.
Players to Watch Out For
New England is ready to start over again after their failing to capture the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018. Pats QB and last year’s NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye will once again lead the way after a stellar 2025 season. He started for all games where he recorded 4,394 passing yards (4th in NFL), a 72 percent completion rate (1st in NFL), 34 touchdowns (3rd in NFL), and had the top quarterback (77.1) and passer rating (113.5).
We should also expect CB Christian Gonzalez on the field, considering he just signed a four-year, $135 million contract thus becoming the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Plus, A.J. Brown is expected to make his debut as a Patriot after he was acquired in a trade with the Eagles during the offseason. He had 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Standing in his way of a fresh start is the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning champions who beat them for the Lombardi in February. Prepare to see if wide receiver and reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba can outrun Gonzalez. Plus, with some key players out with injuries, the offense can’t afford any mistakes.
Patriots vs. Seahawks: Final Thoughts and Prediction
This Patriots vs. Seahawks matchup will not focus on revenge from Super Bowl 60. It will focus more on what will come for this season on both sides. By watching this game, we will have an idea of what will happen with these two as the season goes.
Head coach Mike Vrabel is 2-5 in season openers, and New England lost four of the last five openers. Seattle is the opposite.
One notable Pats player who will be absent is RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle injury). Their running back roster is practically thin. That will leave Rhamondre Stevenson to start the position.
The biggest concern for Seattle is their safeties. Three of their four starter safeties are out due to injuries or placed on IR, leaving Julian Love all by his lonesome. He started only eight games last season, so if push comes to shove, Seattle will have to get someone from the practice squad to help out. This game could go either way.
