Seahawks unveil 2026 NFL schedule with six primetime dates, Super Bowl rematch

The Seattle Seahawks released their 2026 National Football League schedule on Thursday, May 14, detailing a slate that includes a franchise-record six primetime games and a Wednesday night opener. The defending world champions will kick off at Lumen Field in a Super Bowl LX rematch against the New England Patriots. Five of Seattle’s six primetime dates are at home, underscoring the league’s spotlight on the title holders.

Seattle’s schedule also features several reunions with former players now on opposing rosters. The Seahawks are set to meet running back Kenneth Walker III and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 and safety Coby Bryant and the Chicago Bears in Week 8. Later in the season, they will face cornerback Riq Woolen and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15.

Primetime slate and marquee returns

Six national windows, five in Seattle

The opener against New England headlines a primetime load that puts Seattle in front of national audiences throughout the fall. In addition to the Wednesday night kickoff, the Seahawks have Sunday night and Monday night assignments, plus a Saturday standalone in December. The club’s five home primetime games at Lumen Field align with the NFL’s tendency to feature the reigning champions in marquee slots.

Week 15 brings a Saturday afternoon trip to Philadelphia, a standalone national window that adds to the late-season intensity. With multiple high-profile opponents visiting Seattle, the defending champions will see sustained national exposure without a corresponding increase in travel.

Rams doubleheader shapes run-in

A late-season quirk places both meetings with the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the schedule. Seattle will host the Rams on Christmas night in a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game, then close the regular season against them again two weeks later in Week 18. The finale date and time are to be determined, consistent with the league’s flexible scheduling for divisional games.

The holiday matchup and the divisional rematch soon after could carry NFC West and seeding implications, especially after the clubs played a series of tight contests last season before Seattle advanced in the conference title game.

Difficulty, odds and travel

Strength of schedule and betting line

Based on opponents’ 2025 records, Seattle’s slate ranks as the 14th-hardest in the NFL, with foes combining for a .514 winning percentage. Early betting lines set the Seahawks’ over/under win total at 10.5, reflecting expectations of another double-digit-win campaign for the champions.

The league’s emphasis on competitive balance is evident in a schedule that mixes divisional showdowns with showcase interconference games, while still assigning Seattle several national windows befitting its status.

Travel breaks and no international game

The Seahawks will not play overseas in 2026, avoiding the additional mileage and time-zone swings that typically accompany international assignments. Team travel for the season ranks 11th in the league, a relatively modest figure for a West Coast club that is often near the top of that list.

Home-heavy primetime slots and no international date mean Seattle retains national visibility without excessive travel wear, a potential competitive edge as the stretch run approaches.

Ticket details, flex considerations and finalized Week 18 timing will follow standard league procedures. Seattle’s late-season divisional stretch — especially the Christmas clash and trip to Los Angeles — is likely to shape the NFC West race and top playoff seeds.