The 2026 NFL season opens with the same matchup that ended last season. The Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a blockbuster rematch.

The NFL Season Starts With a Super Bowl Rematch 

Seattle defeated New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. Now the Patriots get a chance to respond in the very first game of the new season.

Seahawks vs. Patriots—Again! 

The NFL Kickoff Game is set for: Wednesday, September 9 8:20 p.m. ET Lumen Field, Seattle It's an unusual Wednesday kickoff for the NFL opener. 

When Is the Game? 

The Seahawks enter the game as 3.5-point favorites. The current moneyline has Seattle at -201, while New England sits at +167.

Seattle Opens as the Favorite 

The over/under for the matchup is 44.5 points. And the computer model has a strong opinion on which side of that number to take.

The Total Is Set at 44.5 

After 10,000 simulations, SportsLine's model is projecting the game to go Over 44.5 points. Its projection: 46 combined points.

The Model Likes the Over 

Both teams were among the NFL's top three scoring offenses last season. And both made offseason moves designed to make their offenses even better.

Why Could This Game Be High-Scoring? 

New England added three-time All-Pro A.J. Brown while also using its first-round pick on an offensive tackle. The goal: give Drake Maye even more help.

Patriots Added a Major Weapon 

With Kenneth Walker III gone, Zach Charbonnet is expected to take on a larger role. He scored more than twice as many touchdowns as Walker last season despite having 48 fewer carries.

Seattle Has Its Own Offensive Threats 

The Over went 7-2 when Seattle was a home favorite last season. It also went 11-6 in Patriots regular-season games in 2025. The Over has hit in each of the last six regular-season meetings between these teams.

A Strong Trend Favors the Over 

Seattle has won the last four meetings between the teams. But this time, the Patriots enter with a revamped offense and a chance to start the 2026 season with a statement victory.

Can New England Get Revenge? 

SportsLine's model is backing the Over 44.5 points after 10,000 simulations. Seahawks vs. Patriots could be a high-scoring start to the NFL season. Bet responsibly. Odds can change.

The Prediction Is In