Patriots vs Seahawks Tonight — 2026 NFL Season Opener
Football is back. The 2026 NFL regular season opens tonight with a major matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. It’s also a rematch of Super Bowl LX, giving fans an exciting reason to tune in from the very first night of the season.
🏈 1. When Is the Game?
The Patriots visit the Seahawks tonight, Wednesday, September 9, at 8:20 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The game will air on NBC and can also be streamed through Peacock and NFL+ where available.
🏆 2. Why This Matchup Is Special
This isn’t just a normal season opener.
Seattle defeated New England in Super Bowl LX earlier this year, and now the two teams meet again to begin the new season. It is the first NFL season-opening Super Bowl rematch since 2016.
Seattle will also celebrate its championship before kickoff as the Seahawks begin their attempt to defend the title.
👀 3. What to Watch for Tonight
One of the biggest questions is how Seattle looks after an offseason of change.
The Seahawks return many key players, including quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but their backfield looks different after Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left for Kansas City in free agency.
New England also made major moves after reaching the Super Bowl last season, including adding wide receiver A.J. Brown to strengthen the offense.
🚑 4. Patriots Have an Important Injury
The Patriots will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson, who has been ruled out because of an ankle injury.
Henderson rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns during his rookie season, so his absence could be important. Veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to take on a larger role.
New England offensive lineman Ben Brown is also out with a knee injury.
🛡️ 5. Seattle Has Injury Questions Too
Seattle safety Ty Okada is out with a hamstring injury.
Safety Nick Emmanwori is questionable with an ankle injury, while wide receiver Tory Horton is also questionable because of a hamstring issue.
That means both teams will enter opening night dealing with some important lineup changes.
🌎 6. The NFL Is Going Bigger Around the World
Tonight’s game begins what will be a very international NFL season.
The league is scheduled to play a record nine international games across seven countries and four continents this season. The international schedule begins with the 49ers and Rams playing in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday.
That makes the 2026 season one of the NFL’s biggest global pushes yet.
🏟️ The Big Picture
The opening game has almost everything football fans could want: a championship rematch, star players, injury storylines and the start of a brand-new season.
The Seahawks want to show they can defend their title. The Patriots want revenge after losing the Super Bowl.
Either way, the NFL season starts with a game that should get plenty of attention.
Football fans can expect an exciting start to the 2026 NFL season.
❓ PATRIOTS VS SEAHAWKS QUICK QUESTIONS
What time is Patriots vs. Seahawks tonight?
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.
Where can I watch the game?
The game will air on NBC, with streaming options through Peacock and NFL+.
Why is this game a big deal?
It is a Super Bowl LX rematch and the opening game of the 2026 NFL regular season.
Is TreVeyon Henderson playing?
No. The Patriots have ruled him out with an ankle injury.
What should fans watch for most?
Seattle’s title defense, New England’s response after the Super Bowl loss, and how both teams handle key injuries.
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