The New England Patriots will reportedly open their 2026 season with a shot at redemption.
According to Barstool podcast host Kirk Minihane, the 2026 NFL season will apparently kick off with a Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Per Minihane, the game will take place at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The 2026 NFL schedule won’t be released until Thursday, so the matchup isn’t official yet. However, it makes total sense that the league would start the season with a clash between the reigning AFC and NFC champions.
New England will try to bounce back from its humiliating 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The team will also try to turn the page from its chaotic offseason, which has seen head coach Mike Vrabel embroiled in a personal scandal involving an extramarital affair with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel is sure to face plenty of jeers and boos in Seattle, as will his players. On the plus side, the Patriots will try to extend their road winning streak after going 9-0 in away games last season. It may also feature the New England debut of A.J. Brown if he is indeed traded to the Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is only the second time ever that the NFL regular season will open on a Wednesday, as it’s typically started on Thursday night in recent years. The game will start at 8:20 p.m. ET and air on NBC and Peacock.
