In a thrilling season opener for 2026, the Seattle Seahawks topped the New England Patriots with a final score of 31-23. Both teams were looking to establish their dominance early in the season, but it was the Seahawks who came out on top, showcasing their offensive firepower and strategic execution. Quarterback Sam Darnold led the charge for Seattle, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating precision and poise under pressure. He found a reliable target in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who racked up 125 receiving yards, consistently moving the chains and making critical plays. Zach Charbonnet also contributed significantly on the ground with 88 rushing yards, helping to maintain offensive balance throughout the game. Defensively, the Seahawks made key plays that shifted momentum, most notably an interception by Terrion Arnold that thwarted a potential Patriots scoring drive. Despite the standout performance from New England's Harold Landry III, who tallied 1.5 sacks and seven total tackles, the Seahawks' defense rose to the occasion at crucial moments, ultimately sealing the victory. The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Seattle's defense held strong, preventing any further points and allowing their offense to run out the clock.