Champions Seahawks beat Patriots in season opener

The Seattle Seahawks, defending champions, defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 in the NFL season opener. This marked the first time since 2013 that the season began with a rematch of the Super Bowl, where the Patriots were previously dominated by the Seahawks' "Dark Side" defense. Despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury in the opening drive, the Seahawks managed to come back and secure the victory.

They registered three interceptions in the final quarter at Lumen Field. The Patriots started strong, leading 10-0 with a touchdown from rookie tight end Eli Raridon in the second quarter. However, Seattle's backup quarterback Drew Lock sparked the offense in the third quarter, and Rodney Thomas made a crucial interception on the Patriots' first possession of the fourth quarter.

Drew Lock then connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown. Julian Love intercepted Patriots quarterback Maye, giving Drew Lock an opportunity to extend the lead with a 26-yard field goal. New England opted to go for a win instead of overtime, and their attempt backfired when Maye was intercepted in the end zone by Josh Jobe.

Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Darnold did not sustain a hip fracture during the game. The week's events concluded with the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.