NFL season opens with Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl rematch
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks open the 2026 NFL season with a rematch of Super Bowl LX. Seattle will raise its championship banner before kickoff, while New England debuts new wide receiver A.J. Brown. The Patriots will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson due to an ankle injury.
The matchup marks Seattle's first home opener against New England since 2012, as the 2020 meeting occurred without fans. Seattle holds an 11-8 series edge and will celebrate its second title before kickoff. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye enters his third season with MVP buzz.
New England will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson, while Seattle's slot defender Nick Emmanwori is also inactive. That absence could benefit Patriots receivers Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas, especially with Devon Witherspoon expected to shadow A.J. Brown.
The season opener could shape early narratives for both franchises, influencing fan morale and media coverage. For Seattle, the banner ceremony may reinforce community pride, while New England's debut of A.J. Brown could draw significant viewership. The absence of key players like Henderson and Emmanwori may affect fantasy football participants and betting markets, potentially altering how fans engage with the game. Ultimately, this rematch could set a competitive tone for the entire league.