NFL fans have made it through the preseason. The preseason was long and grueling, but the start of the 2026-2027 NFL season is here. The first game of the season features a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. The New England Patriots head to Seattle with the hopes of getting revenge on the Seahawks.
The Patriots and Seahawks have different looks to their rosters as New England welcomes veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown and Seattle looks to rookie running back Jadarian Price as its RB1. Here are four bold predictions ahead of Wednesday’s opening game.
MORE:Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026
Jadarian Price finds the end zone
A lot has changed regarding Seattle’s backfield. Last year’s Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker III, left for Kansas City, and Zach Charbonnet is working his way back from knee surgery. The Seahawks used the 32nd overall pick in April’s draft to select running back Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame. He will be the team’s workhorse while Charbonnet remains out.
Price steps into the perfect position, with over 220 carries available following the departure of Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks waste no time pounding the rock with Jadarian Price, and the rookie scores his first touchdown during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game. This is the first of many trips the rookie makes to the end zone.
A.J. Brown quickly acclimates himselfto Patriots fans
New England quarterback Drake Maye has a true WR1 for the first time in his career. He’s had capable targets, but none have been in the prime of their careers like A.J. Brown. On Wednesday, Maye looks Brown’s way early and often. Maye goes 3-for-3 throwing to Brown on the team’s first drive.
Brown finishes the game with eight receptions on nine targets, for 105 receiving yards and one touchdown. The rapport between Maye and Brown gives Patriots fans a lot to be excited about for the upcoming season.
MORE:NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026
Jason Myers wins the game
The Patriots and Seahawks battle throughout the game. Along the way, they trade touchdowns as well as three-and-outs. Seattle enters the fourth quarter down seven and quickly ties the game up. The Seahawks possess the football with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Sam Darnold drives the offense up the field and calls a timeout with six seconds remaining. Kicker Jason Myers nails the game-winning field goal as time expires.
New England doesn’t get revenge
The Patriots entered the game looking to avenge their Super Bowl loss. However, Seattle was more than aware of what was at stake during the opening game of the 2026-2027 season. New England enters the fourth quarter with the lead, but the game quickly becomes tied.
After Seattle forces a three-and-out, the team’s offense takes over with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Patriots are unable to stop the Seahawks from moving up the field and fall to a last-second field goal as time expires. They battle throughout the game but are unable to avenge their Super Bowl defeat.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
About the Author
