The Seattle Seahawks will begin their title defense against New England on Sept. 9, raising their championship banner in a Super Bowl rematch. ABC News Sports reported that the game will mark only the second time the NFL has opened a season on a Wednesday.
Seattle Seahawks are not favored to win the NFC West, despite a Super Bowl victory last season powered by Sam Darnold and a stellar defense. The team also faces a demanding schedule while trying to remain atop the division and challenge across the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams are the major obstacle after adding Aaron Donald, while San Francisco also brings a talented roster. The Rams and San Francisco will meet the following day in Australia in the NFL’s first regular-season game there, beginning an unprecedented nine-game international slate in 2026.
Seattle lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to the Raiders and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to Kansas City. Sam Darnold remains in place, and AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads an offense supported by what the report describes as a sensational defense.
Oddsmakers have made the Los Angeles Rams prohibitive Super Bowl favorites since Aaron Donald returned Sunday after a two-year retirement. The Rams could possess the NFL’s best defense, with Donald joined by AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. Their offense is led by reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.
San Francisco added Mike Evans and brought back Deebo Samuel to join Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, although the team needs Nick Bosa to regain his form after an injury and strengthen its pass rush. The Arizona Cardinals also face a difficult assignment under rookie coach Mike LaFleur in the powerful division, with rookie running back Jeremiyah Love identified as a player to watch. The season therefore presents Seattle with an immediate test: preserve the formula that produced its championship while navigating rivals with significant additions.