2026 season opener includes potential Super Bowl rematch

When the 2026 regular season begins on the Thursday night after Labor Day (there's a chance it'll start a day or two earlier given the long trip the 49ers and Rams will make to Australia), the Seahawks will be hosting the game and hanging their newest banner.The options include a potential Super Bowl rematch with the Patriots.Other candidates are the Chiefs, Chargers, Bears, Cowboys, Giants, and Seattle's NFC West rivals â?? the Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals. (Again, the 49ers and Rams could be meeting in Melbourne in Week 1.)Ten years ago, the Broncos and Panthers had a Week 1 rematch following Super Bowl 50. So it's not unprecedented.Still, based on tonight's outcome, there may not be much appetite for an immediate rematch.