New England Patriots open the 2026 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:06 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The New England Patriots begin their 2026 NFL campaign tonight with a home matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of their most recent postseason appearance. While the New England Patriots enjoyed a successful regular season and playoff run last year, analyst Stephen A. Smith has expressed skepticism regarding their ability to maintain that form. Smith suggested the team benefited from a weak schedule and injuries to opponents during their previous run, which ended in a loss during the Super Bowl. Ahead of tonight's kickoff, the team announced roster adjustments, including the elevation of a running back following the decision to rule out TreVeyon Henderson. The game represents a test for the New England Patriots to demonstrate their performance was not an anomaly. Fans can watch the opening game as both teams return to the field for the first time since their last encounter.
- •The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off in a rematch of their last game.
- •Stephen A. Smith questioned the legitimacy of the team's success last season.
- •TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out for the New England Patriots ahead of the game.
- •The team elevated a running back to the active roster to cover for player absences.
- 9:06 PMYahoo Sports — Patriots news: Stephen A. Smith gets honest on New England's chances vs. Seahawks
"The New England Patriots will be opening their season against the last team they saw, the Seattle Seahawks, in a Super Bowl rematch. The Patriots were one of the surprise teams of last season, as they dominated on both sides of the ball during the regular season and into the playoffs. This season, many are skeptical on if they could return to that […] The post Patriots news: Stephen A. Smith gets honest on New England's chances vs. Seahawks appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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