Bold opening: The Seahawks have a wealth of intriguing options for their season opener, even without the 49ers or Rams in the mix.
If the NFL sticks to its usual scheduling method, Seattle would kick off the 2026 season at home on Thursday night, September 10. With both the 49ers and Rams reportedly set to play Week 1 in Melbourne, those two traditional Week 1 rivals won’t be part of Seattle’s opening night landscape, leaving several other compelling matches to choose from.
Seattle’s 2026 home slate is stacked with competitive opponents, offering fans plenty to look forward to beyond the NFC West rivalry.
Opponents on the schedule include the Chiefs, Chargers, Bears, Cowboys, Giants, and Patriots. Each of these games brings its own angle and appeal.
- Chargers and Giants: A fascinating subplot would be Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald facing some of his former mentors, Jim and John Harbaugh, in what would feel like a coaching clash across generations.
- Chiefs: The Mahomes era always draws attention, and there could also be the ongoing chatter around Travis Kelce and whether pop culture moments (like a Taylor Swift-related storyline) spill into the game.
- Cowboys: A perennial big-stage draw that’s sure to bring national interest and lively atmospheres.
- Bears: Expected to be one of the standout teams of 2026, adding excitement and intrigue.
Even a Super Bowl rematch could still carry significance, despite how recent results unfolded, simply because it’s a championship contrast rearing its head on opening night.
There is still potential interest in a Week 1 meeting with the Cardinals, too, given the changes on their side: a new coach and likely a new quarterback. It’s worth noting Seattle and Arizona did play an overtime thriller in Week 4 of the 2025 season, which could add a layer of familiarity to an early-season clash.
However, it’s possible the league’s current plan could push Whoever vs. Seahawks away from the very first game, perhaps scheduling 49ers-Rams before the Thursday opener to reduce travel and jet lag for those teams.
If the current framework holds, Seattle would likely open the season against a marquee opponent, raising the excitement as they raise another banner on what should be a memorable start to 2026. The NFL’s scheduling decision for that opening night will hinge on which opponent best amplifies the occasion and delivers the most compelling storyline for fans across the country.
