With the Seattle Seahawks newly crowned as Super Bowl champions, anticipation is high for the NFL’s season opener. For the last twenty years, it’s become a tradition for the reigning champion to kick off the season with a Thursday night home game in Week 1, and this year, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at Lumen Field.
While the official 2026 NFL schedule will not be unveiled until this spring, teams are already aware of their home and away opponents. The Seahawks are set to host several intriguing teams that could provide a thrilling matchup for their first game. Among their nine potential home opponents are the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants.
Although the Rams would usually be a favored choice for the opener given their intense rivalry with the Seahawks, they are scheduled to play the 49ers in Australia, which significantly reduces the likelihood of them being Seattle’s opponent for the kickoff game. The time zone differences associated with that matchup could pose a scheduling headache, making it unlikely that the Rams will return for a quick turnaround.
The Patriots could present a compelling narrative as a rematch of a previous Super Bowl, though the NFL may lean toward more high-scoring, dynamic matchups after their last meeting ended with a low score. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, would be a thrilling option as well; however, concerns about Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL could deter the league from selecting them if there is a risk of starting the season with a backup quarterback.
Another exciting possibility is the Los Angeles Chargers, where a storyline exists between Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who share a coaching history at the University of Michigan. Additionally, the Chargers posted an impressive 11-6 record last season, bolstering their case as a competitive opening opponent.
The Chicago Bears could provide an intriguing matchup, featuring their innovative head coach Ben Johnson against Macdonald, who excelled in defensive strategy. Both teams are coming off notable improvements, with the Seahawks achieving a Super Bowl victory and the Bears claiming an NFC North title after significant strides from the previous season.
While the Dallas Cowboys have traditionally been a ratings draw, their recent lackluster performance in the 2025 season may make them a less exciting option compared to the other contenders. Finally, the Giants and Cardinals, having struggled significantly last season, are unlikely to be chosen for the highly visible kickoff game.
As the Seahawks embrace their Super Bowl victory, the excitement continues to build around their first matchup in the 2026 season, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling opener.