SEATTLE — The 2026 NFL season opened with a dramatic Super Bowl rematch, and the defending champion Seattle Seahawks once again found a way to beat the New England Patriots.
Seattle erased a 10–0 deficit to win 13–10 at Lumen Field, overcoming the early loss of starting quarterback Sam Darnold and turning the game around with a dominant fourth-quarter defensive performance.
The Game
New England controlled much of the first half and took a 7–0 lead when rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught a two-yard touchdown from Drake Maye. Andy Borregales later added a 50-yard field goal to make it 10–0.
Seattle’s night changed quickly when Sam Darnold left with a hip injury after taking a sack. Backup Drew Lock was forced into action and eventually delivered the comeback.
The Seahawks finally got on the board with a third-quarter field goal before Lock and Jaxon Smith-Njigba produced the game’s pivotal offensive play: a 45-yard touchdown connection that tied the game at 10–10.
Seattle then took the lead on Jason Myers’ 26-yard field goal with 5:53 remaining.
Defensive Finish
The Patriots had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Seattle’s defense slammed the door
Maye was intercepted on three consecutive fourth-quarter possessions, with Josh Jobe’s end-zone interception with 21 seconds remaining providing the decisive play.
Maye finished 23-of-33 for 178 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Standout Performers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Seahawks:
Eight receptions, 122 yards and the 45-yard touchdown that ignited Seattle’s comeback.
Drew Lock — Seahawks:
16-of-22 for 187 yards and one touchdown after entering unexpectedly for Darnold.
Drake Maye — Patriots:
Played well early but struggled badly under Seattle’s fourth-quarter pressure.
Seattle Defense:
The difference-maker. Three fourth-quarter interceptions and three sacks turned a potential Patriots victory into a Seahawks comeback.
Turning Point
The biggest swing came late in the third quarter. Seattle trailed 10–3 before Lock connected with Smith-Njigba for the game-tying touchdown early in the fourth.
From there, Seattle’s defense took control.
Injury Watch
Darnold’s hip injury will immediately become one of the major storylines surrounding the defending champions. Patriots receiver A.J. Brown also suffered a right ankle injury and was ruled out after halftime.
Final Analysis
Seattle didn’t play a clean game, but championship teams find ways to win difficult games—and the Seahawks did exactly that.
Final: Seattle Seahawks 13, New England Patriots 10.
The Seahawks begin their title defense 1–0, while New England leaves Seattle knowing it let a very winnable opener slip away.
