The 2026 NFL schedule is set to drop on May 14th, and for the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the countdown to opening night is officially on. While the team already knows they'll kick off the season on Wednesday, September 9th on NBC, the big question remains: who will they face? Recent developments have ruled out two major contenders—the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys—who will instead square off on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.

With those options off the table, the Seahawks' potential opening night opponents now narrow down to the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Arizona Cardinals. It's worth noting that the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are already booked for a Thursday Night clash in Australia. Meanwhile, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has hinted that Kansas City probably won't face Seattle in Week 1, likely due to concerns over Patrick Mahomes' health status. The Cardinals also seem like a long shot, given the competitive gap between them and the Seahawks this season.

So, where does that leave us? All signs are pointing toward the Chicago Bears as the frontrunner. The NFL loves a storyline, and Caleb Williams versus the Seahawks' defense could be electric. But don't sleep on the Chargers. Justin Herbert is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league, and with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel at the helm, Los Angeles offers plenty of intrigue. Plus, the Mike Macdonald-Jim Harbaugh connection adds an extra layer of drama for fans and analysts alike.

The speculation will end soon, but for now, the possibilities are as exciting as the season itself. Who do you think will line up opposite the Seahawks on opening night?