Expert prediction for the New England Patriots' season-opening game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Just like their final game for the 2025 season, the New England Patriots will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks to kick off the new 2026 NFL season.
The NFL schedule makers did everyone a favor by setting this as the opening game, giving more intrigue to the matchup. Fans everywhere will tune in to see whether the Patriots can get some revenge, or if Seattle still has New England's number.
Both teams look very different from when they faced off in the Super Bowl in February, offering a new outlook on the game. But this contest will be for bragging rights in a way, making it a fun contest to open the season.
For the Patriots, this matchup will offer them a chance to show the new weapons in the offensive attack. While New England did exceed expectations last season, the front office didn't just sit around; instead, they attacked the weaknesses on the roster.
In the Super Bowl, the Seahawks exposed the Patriots' offense. So, New England went out to land a few more playmakers, including star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brown now gives Patriots quarterback Drake Maye a true go-to weapon in games, something that he didn't have last season.
The team also signed wideout Romeo Doubs, adding more firepower to the unit. The overhaul of the offense should help in this game, especially with the Seahawks' secondary dealing with some injuries.
Seattle also lost a ton of players this offseason on the defensive side of the ball, and this could be where the Patriots thrive in the game. But the Seahawks are a veteran team, and they should still be able to get to the quarterback.
If Maye can limit turnovers in this game, he will give the Patriots a real chance to win. The New England defense is still very good, and this could help keep them in the game.
The Patriots won't have running back TreVeyon Henderson for the game due to injury. But Rhamondre Stevenson will be the starter, and he is more than capable of stepping up.
The key will be getting to Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. When he has been pressured in his career, Darnold has historically struggled.
Darnold played well in the Super Bowl, hut the Patriots should dare him to beat them again. This game could have extra motivation from New England given its the team that knocked them out last season.
The Patriots are much better entering the season, giving them a decent shot against the Seahawks. In the end, I think New England finds a way to spoil the Seahawks' ring night, earning a massive win to open the new season.
Prediction: New England Patriots 30, Seattle Seahawks 27
