The commencement of the 2026 National Football League’s regular season is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9.
For a considerable period, it was public knowledge that the Seattle Seahawks would commence their Super Bowl title retention efforts in the inaugural game of the season; the sole uncertainty revolved around their opponent.
According to information shared by Jordan Schultz, the Seahawks are set to begin their 2026 campaign with a Super Bowl replay contest opposing the New England Patriots.
This marks the initial occasion since 2016 where the initial game of the regular season features a repeat of the prior year’s Super Bowl. In that specific year, the Denver Broncos commenced their championship defense, securing a 21-20 victory against the Carolina Panthers.
Seattle’s offensive lineup will present a somewhat altered appearance compared to its composition in February. Kenneth Walker III has since joined the Kansas City Chiefs, and running back Zach Charbonnet is slated to be absent for the season’s commencement due to an ACL tear.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seahawks underwent a significant revitalization, notably choosing Notre Dame’s running back Jadarian Price towards the conclusion of the initial round. The most substantial acquisition via free agency was defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
The Patriots’ period outside of the regular season has been largely dominated by non-playing controversies involving head coach Mike Vrabel. Regarding gridiron matters, however, significant attention is focused on whether New England will pursue a trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The receiving corps has undergone some significant changes, with Stefon Diggs being let go and subsequently replaced by Romeo Doubs, who signed a four-year agreement worth $68 million. Additionally, the Patriots made notable signings including safeties Mike Brown and Kevin Byard III, linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
New England further bolstered their roster by drafting Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to enhance protection for quarterback Drake Maye.
The contest between the Seahawks and Patriots will not only represent the initial Super Bowl rematch to commence the subsequent season in a decade, but it will also mark the beginning of a new epoch for the NFL, with the season’s start scheduled for a Wednesday.
