Defending champions Seattle faces a star-studded slate of potential Week 1 opponents. Who will they kick off their title defense against?
By virtue of the Seattle Seahawks' win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, the 2026 NFL schedule figures to push Seattle right back into the spotlight it looks to defend its title.
A new NFL tradition begins in Week 1, where for the most part in the last 20 years the defending champion is featured in the league's season-opener.
So maybe it will be on a Thursday in September when the defending champion gets to showcase the Lombardi Trophy and raise its commemorative banner ... right before turning its full attention to chasing another go at the title.
Now, what about the potential foes in that Week 1 home game at Lumen Field?
Our top 5 candidates ...
5. New England Patriots
This Week 1 tradition doesn't usually include an immediate rematch. And after their 29-13 drubbing in the Super Bowl, the Pats probably want no part of this.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Seahawks vs. arguably the most popular AFC team, with Travis Kelce coming back and maybe with his sweetheart Taylor Swift in the house and likely with QB Patrick Mahomes having rehabbed from his season-ending knee injury? Marquee stuff here.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks’ divisional duels with the Niners have created a rivalry worthy of national attention ... and this would follow up the rubber-game trio of 2025, capped by Seattle's 41-6 beatdown of the 49ers in the playoffs.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Another rubber-game follow-up as these NFC West rivals played three games last year decided by a combined totl of seven points. That's including a 31-27 win in the NFC conference title game. The obstacle here: The 49ers and Rams could open the 2026 international slate in Australia.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones' Cowboys are TV gold. That's why they have opposed the defending champions in Week 1 three times in the last 15 years. In 2026? The Cowboys’ date with the defending champs - whenever it comes - will likely be among the most-watched games of the year. ... whether that's a Thursday night kickoff in Week 1 or otherwise.