Seattle Seahawks Begin NFL Title Defence with Comeback Win Over New England Patriots
The Seattle Seahawks began the defence of their Super Bowl title with a 13-10 comeback victory against the New England Patriots in the opening game of the 2026 NFL season.
In a repeat of February’s Super Bowl LX, Seattle once again got the better of New England at Lumen Field. The Seahawks recovered from a 10-0 deficit despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury during their first possession, with backup Drew Lock and a dominant fourth-quarter defensive display turning the game around.
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Darnold Injury Forces Early Seattle Change
Seattle’s night took an early turn when Darnold suffered a hip injury after being sacked on the Seahawks’ opening possession. The quarterback was initially listed as questionable to return before being ruled out, leaving Lock to take charge of the offence.
New England capitalised and established a 10-0 advantage, with rookie tight end Eli Raridon catching the first touchdown of the new NFL season from Drake Maye in the second quarter. Seattle struggled to produce a response until Jason Myers finally opened their account with a field goal late in the third.
Lock nevertheless kept Seattle within reach, completing 16 of his 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown after coming into the game. The Seahawks then found another gear on both sides of the ball when the fourth quarter began.
Three Maye Interceptions Turn the Game
Seattle cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett provided the first major turning point when he collected his first career interception following a deflected Maye pass.
The Seahawks immediately took advantage. Lock found Jaxon Smith-Njigba in space on fourth down and the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year turned the play into a 45-yard touchdown, drawing Seattle level at 10-10. Smith-Njigba had won the award after leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards during the 2025 regular season.
Maye’s difficulties continued on New England’s next possession when Julian Love intercepted another pass, allowing Myers to kick a 26-yard field goal and give the Seahawks their first lead of the game.
The Patriots still had an opportunity to respond and moved into Seattle territory in the closing stages. Rather than settle for a potential game-tying field goal, New England pushed for a touchdown, but Maye’s pass towards Mack Hollins was intercepted by Josh Jobe in the end zone with 21 seconds remaining.
It completed a remarkable defensive finish from the Seahawks, with Maye intercepted on each of New England’s final three possessions. He ended the game with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions as Seattle secured a 13-10 victory.
Positive Early News on Darnold
Attention after the game also turned quickly towards Darnold, who played a major role in Seattle’s run to the Super Bowl title last season.
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that initial examinations had ruled out one of the more serious possibilities, saying: “At this point, we were able to rule out a fracture.” Further tests are being carried out to establish the full extent of the quarterback’s hip injury.
Darnold threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns during the 2025 regular season before helping Seattle through the playoffs without throwing an interception. His fitness will therefore remain a key issue for the defending champions as the opening weeks of the new campaign unfold.
NFL Season Goes Global Before London Return
Week One now moves outside the United States, with the Los Angeles Rams facing the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:35am BST on Friday 11th September as part of a record international schedule for the league.
The international focus will then reach London in October. The Colts face the Commanders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4th October before the Eagles meet the Jaguars at the same venue seven days later, with both games scheduled for 2:30pm UK kick-offs.
Jacksonville arrive in the capital after recording a 13-4 regular-season record in 2025, while Philadelphia will return to London for the first time since beating the Jaguars at Wembley in 2018. The Colts and Commanders also return to Europe after both playing international fixtures during the 2025 season.
With the NFL season now officially underway, the countdown to two of the biggest American football dates on the UK sporting calendar has begun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the opening game of the 2026 NFL season?
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 at Lumen Field. Seattle overturned a 10-0 deficit to begin their Super Bowl title defence with a victory.
What happened to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold?
Darnold suffered a hip injury during Seattle’s opening possession and did not return to the game. Initial tests ruled out a fracture, although further examinations are required to determine the full extent of the injury.
When are the 2026 NFL London games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders takes place on Sunday 4th October 2026, followed by Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday 11th October. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 2:30pm UK time.
Can I book NFL London hospitality with Eventmasters?
Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality for both 2026 NFL London games taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with options designed to provide a premium way to experience regular-season NFL action in London.
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