Even with 49ers and Rams not in play, there are plenty of good options for Seahawks' opening game

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to open the 2026 NFL season with a home game on Thursday, September 10, assuming the league follows its usual scheduling approach. With the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams reportedly set to play their Week 1 games in Melbourne, Australia, these two NFC West rivals will not be available as opening week opponents for Seattle.

The Seahawks have a competitive home schedule for 2026, featuring potential matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and New England Patriots. Each of these games offers unique appeal, such as the possibility of Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald facing former colleagues Jim and John Harbaugh with the Chargers and Giants, respectively. The Chiefs bring star power with Patrick Mahomes, and the Cowboys are a perennial fan favorite. The Bears are projected to be a popular team in 2026.

A game against the Arizona Cardinals could also draw interest, given their new coach and