Stacy Rost: Who makes most sense to play Seahawks in NFL opener
We know several teams on the Seattle Seahawks' schedule who won't be their Week 1 opponent. Stacy Rost breaks down who is the likely pick for the annual NFL kickoff game.
Watch: #Seahawks Preseason vs Titans: What We Want To See | 12 mins
The opening week of 2026 is taking shape. We know the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season on a Wednesday night at Lumen Field, and we at least know who they won’t be playing.
Seahawks to kick off 2026 NFL season on a Wednesday night
The Rams and 49ers are opening their season the following day in Australia, so cross off a heated rematch against L.A.
The Chiefs, another 2026 home opponent for Seattle, are also no longer an option. On Monday, Kansas City owner Clark Hunt said “I don’t think that’s on the table anymore” because of uncertainty with Patrick Mahomes’ availability (and who wants to see the Super Bowl champs open the season against a backup quarterback?).
That leaves the Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Chargers, Bears and Patriots.
What makes sense for the NFL?
Too early for a Super Bowl rematch?
The previous year’s runner-up, Kansas City, opened its 2025 season in Brazil against the Chargers. The LVIII runner-up 49ers hit the road against the Steelers, the LVII runner-up Eagles played the Pats on the road, and the LVI runner-up Bengals hosted the Steelers.
The league loves a thriller. The Super Bowl-winning Eagles hosted the hated Cowboys in Week 1 last year. The Chiefs hosted Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and, the year prior, the dominant Lions. The Rams hosted Josh Allen and the Bills. The Pats might have revenge on their mind with Seattle, but there are more tempting options for both teams early.
What feels unlikely?
A bad team (the Cardinals) or a non-playoff team (the Giants). The Chargers feel like a stretch here, though a new and exciting offensive coordinator (former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel) and superstar quarterback (Justin Herbert) against the league’s top defense is a selling point.
What feels more likely?
A high-profile NFC battle. The Cowboys, by virtue of being the Cowboys, are a candidate, but they did just open the season against last year’s Super Bowl winner.
What about the Bears? Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense had a few thrillers and improbable finishes last season, including two incredible games against the Packers. The Bears played the Rams close in the divisional round. They have a million talking points — a young head coach (Ben Johnson) opposite Seattle’s Mike Macdonald, a former No. 1 overall pick (Williams) who’ll be tested against Seattle’s defense, a defense of their own that led the league in takeaways, and a possible tiebreaker scenario should both teams need it for playoff seeding.
So, if I’m making a prediction now? Seahawks and Bears Week 1 in Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks news and analysis
• Seahawks to be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks for first time
• Huard: A cornerback in the draft who fits Seahawks’ ‘formula’
• Seahawks’ Macdonald expects DeMarcus Lawrence back for ’26
• Seahawks Injury Updates: Latest on WR Horton, RB Charbonnet
• Seattle Seahawks’ ‘Barnyard’ play to remain legal for 2026
Related
Bump: ‘There’s some concern’ with Seahawks’ CB situation
Stacy: NFL critics keep finding ways to doubt the Seahawks
Seahawks WR Tory Horton elaborates on last year’s ‘weird’ injury
Analyst: Seahawks WR Tory Horton looks ‘fast’ and ‘ready’
Stacy Rost: 3 ways the Seahawks can still improve in 2026
Stacy: As Mariners honor their greats, can current stars get going?
Comments
2 Comments
They are playing on Friday, which happens to be Thursday here because they are playing in Australia.
Other than that, I agree with your feeling that the Seahawks should be the ones to decide who they play opening day.
The Seahawks should be deciding when they get to play and possibly even who they play first. They're hosting the damn game and they won the Super Bowl. Honestly the Niners and Rams should be told to pound sand and play on the Friday.