In a thrilling season opener, the Seattle Seahawks narrowly defeated the New England Patriots 31-28, showcasing their resilience and determination. This Week 1 matchup set the tone for both teams as they look to make a statement in the 2026 season. Seattle's quarterback Sam Darnold was the star of the day, throwing for 370 yards and three touchdown passes, leading his team to victory. On the other side, TreVeyon Henderson stood out for the Patriots, rushing for 118 yards, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also made significant contributions with 115 receiving yards, providing Darnold with a reliable target throughout the game. Defensively, the Seahawks made crucial plays that turned the tide in their favor. Bud Clark led the team with four total tackles, while Leonard Williams added pressure with two sacks, disrupting the Patriots' offensive flow. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Darnold connected with Smith-Njigba for a touchdown, giving Seattle the lead they would not relinquish, despite a late push from New England.