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2026 NFL schedule release guide: Kickoffs, matchups, broadcast networks for all 32 teams
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Seahawks to host Patriots for Super Bowl rematch in 2026 NFL season opener
TL;DR
The Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026, in the NFL season opener, marking a rematch of Super Bowl 60. This matchup features the two reigning conference champions for the first time since 2016.
Key points
- Seahawks host Patriots in 2026 NFL season opener
- Game scheduled for September 9, 2026
- Rematch of Super Bowl 60
- First season opener with reigning conference champions since 2016
- Seahawks begin title defense against Patriots
Seattle SeahawksNew England PatriotsSuper Bowl 60
The 2026 NFL schedule will open with one of the most anticipated matchups of the regular season.
The Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots on Sept. 9 in a rematch of Super Bowl 60, the league announced on Thursday, May 14.
It marks the first time since 2016, when the Denver Broncos hosted the Carolina Panthers, that the league is opening a new season by pitting the two reigning conference champions against one another.
The Seahawks will begin their title defense against the group they demolished in a 29-13 rout in Santa Clara, Calif., in February. Though offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak departed to become the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach and Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III left to sign the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, the core of the group remains in place as the franchise launches its title defense.
Yet the more intense spotlight might be reserved for the other sideline.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel stepped away from Day 3 of the NFL draft to attend counseling after the New York Post published photos of him and Dianna Russini, the former NFL insider for The Athletic. Vrabel, who is married and has two adult sons, said in April he had held "difficult conversations" with his family and members of the Patriots organization. He later added that his unspecified actions "don't meet the standard that I hold myself to."
Q&A
When is the Seahawks vs Patriots game scheduled for 2026?
The game is scheduled for September 9, 2026.
What teams are playing in the 2026 NFL season opener?
The Seattle Seahawks will play against the New England Patriots.
What was the outcome of the previous Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Patriots?
The Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl 60.
Why is the 2026 season opener significant?
It is significant because it features a rematch of the two reigning conference champions for the first time since 2016.
