The Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 NFL season as defending champions, but the road ahead is anything but easy. After raising their championship banner, the Seahawks will kick off the year with a Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots on September 9, marking only the second time the league has opened the season on a Wednesday.
Division rivals raise the bar
The NFC West, long known for its fierce competition, looks especially formidable this year. The Los Angeles Rams have added former All‑Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who rejoined the team after a two‑year retirement. With Donald anchoring a defense that already boasts Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Rams are the clear favorites to win the Super Bowl according to oddsmakers.
San Francisco’s 49ers are not far behind. The 49ers have bolstered their offense with veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and welcomed back Deebo Samuel to join quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle. The team hopes that defensive end Nick Bosa can return to full strength after an injury, giving the 49ers a more potent pass rush.
Seattle’s strengths and lingering gaps
Seattle still possesses a potent offensive core. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who steadied the team last season, will continue to lead a unit featuring AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith‑Njigba. The defense, which helped secure last year’s title, remains a key asset, though the Seahawks lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to the Raiders and Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker to Kansas City.
Despite these losses, the Seahawks’ roster retains enough talent to keep them in the conversation. The team’s ability to stay healthy and maintain consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial as they navigate a division stacked with talent.
National schedule highlights
Beyond the NFC West, the NFL’s 2026 calendar features several historic moments. The Rams and 49ers will play the league’s first regular‑season game in Australia, kicking off an unprecedented nine‑game international slate for the season. Meanwhile, the AFC West sees the Kansas City Chiefs aiming to rebound after a disappointing 6‑11 finish, with Patrick Mahomes returning from ACL surgery.
Other notable storylines include Denver’s quest for a championship after securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and the New England Patriots’ continued push after a Super Bowl appearance. The league’s schedule also places the Seahawks against the Patriots in the season opener, a matchup that will test Seattle’s championship mettle from day one.
What fans can expect
Seattle supporters should brace for a season where every divisional game feels like a playoff battle. The Rams, now bolstered by Donald’s veteran presence, and the 49ers, with a refreshed offensive arsenal, present the biggest obstacles to a repeat championship. Yet the Seahawks’ blend of experienced leadership and youthful talent gives them a fighting chance.
As the NFL expands its global footprint and the NFC West tightens its competition, the Seahawks’ journey will be a true test of resilience, coaching acumen, and the ability to perform under pressure. Fans across the Pacific Northwest will be watching closely, hoping that the championship spirit that carried them to glory last season can once again carry them to the top.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
