The Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL season opener on Wednesday, September 9, marking a Super Bowl LX rematch at Lumen Field. This rare Wednesday night kickoff accommodates the league's international slate, including a record nine games this season.

Seattle aims to join an elite group of defending champions, as teams are 16-5 in openers since 2004. The Patriots visit comes seven months after the Seahawks captured their championship. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play in Melbourne, Australia on September 10.

Several compelling storylines emerge from the schedule release. Kenneth Walker returns to Seattle with the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25 for Sunday Night Football. Malik Willis faces his former Green Bay Packers team on December 20. First overall pick Fernando Mendoza could debut when the Las Vegas Raiders host Miami on September 13.

The regular season concludes January 10, 2027, with Super Bowl LXI following at SoFi Stadium on February 14. The defending champion has won 8 of 11 previous Super Bowl rematches, giving Seattle historical momentum.