In a thrilling Week 1 matchup of the 2026 season, the Seattle Seahawks narrowly defeated the New England Patriots with a final score of 34-28. Both teams came into the game eager to establish their footing early in the season, but it was Seattle that emerged victorious, showcasing their offensive prowess. Sam Darnold led the charge for the Seahawks, throwing for an impressive 348 yards, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba made a significant impact with 196 receiving yards, proving to be a reliable target throughout the contest. Despite the Patriots' Drake Maye throwing for three touchdowns, it was not enough to overcome Seattle's explosive offense, which consistently found ways to move the ball downfield. Defensively, the Patriots made their presence felt, particularly with Harold Landry III’s three sacks, but it was Seattle's ability to exploit defensive gaps that proved crucial. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Seahawks managed to hold off a late surge from New England, effectively sealing the win and setting the tone for their season.