Despite being the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks remain somewhat overlooked. A lot has been said about this team, and it doesn't sound like the public is too high on their chances of going back-to-back.
That's why the season opener vs. the New England Patriots is more crucial than any other regular-season game. With all eyes set on Lumen Field, Mike Macdonald's team will have the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
Considering that, let's take a deep look at all of the potential questions and doubts the naysayers — and, to be fair, even some Seahawks fans — may have ahead of their first real test of the 2026 NFL season.
5 biggest questions the Seattle Seahawks must answer in Week 1
Is the Super Bowl hangover real?
The only thing harder than winning a Super Bowl is winning two in a row. That has only happened nine times in NFL history, and this franchise came heartbreakingly close to joining that list — we'll never forgive you, Malcolm Butler.
That said, defending champions are 17-4 in Week 1 since the league adopted that tradition in 2004. That's not to say that the Seahawks will definitely win just because history is on their side, but there's a clear trend here.
Whatever the case, the Seahawks can't afford to get off to a slow start. That would only feed the trolls, especially if the Los Angeles Rams take down the San Francisco 49ers in Australia less than 24 hours later.
Will the secondary hold up?
While there's no official confirmation yet, all signs point to Nick Emmanwori not being available for this game. Even if he does suit up, he might not be fully healthy and will probably be on a strict snap count.
The Seahawks also lost rookie safety Bud Clark and have had a revolving door of bodies in and out of the cornerback room. This team likes to mix things up and get different guys on the field to disguise coverage, but that might not be the case this time around.
Josh McDaniels' offense just added a prime threat in A.J. Brown, and Romeo Doubs is no slouch. Devon Witherspoon is getting paid top dollar, but with Ty Okada (hamstring) also banged up, the secondary might be in for a tough challenge.
Is Brian Fleury ready?
Understandably, the Seahawks didn't want to put too much on tape in the preseason, especially with backups. That's why it's almost impossible to make an objective assessment of Brian Fleury before Week 1.
There are some legitimate reasons to have concerns about him. He's never called plays on offense before, and while he comes from the same Kubiak-Shanahan coaching tree, he still has to earn his stripes.
The Patriots have a stout defense and a defensive-minded head coach calling the shots. This will be an interesting chess match and Fleury's first real chance to prove that he has what it takes to take the reins of the offense.
How long a leash will Jadarian Price have?
By every account, it sounds like the Seahawks found a true gem in Jadarian Price. Reports coming out of training camp are all encouraging, and while he missed time, it was never believed to be a serious injury.
However, he's a first-year player, first and foremost. So, after holding him out of the preseason like the league's best-kept secret, how much will they actually put on his plate as he gets his first taste of NFL action?
First-round picks always have to deal with sky-high expectations, and Week 1 overreaction is real. Depending on how he fares, he might either be the biggest bust of all time or a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Who'll step up besides JSN?
With Christian Gonzalez getting paid, it's safe to assume that he'll suddenly be back to full strength and out there with no limitations. That's terrible news for Jaxon Smith-Njigba; he's probably the only guy on Earth who can hold him down.
Gonzalez did an amazing job on Smith-Njigba in the Super Bowl, holding him to four catches on 10 targets for 27 yards, his worst game of the season. JSN might as well get him back this time, but what if he doesn't?
The Seahawks spent big bucks to keep Rashid Shaheed in town, and Tory Horton looked like a big play waiting to happen in every touch he got as a rookie. Someone will have to pick up the slack for the passing game, but who will it be?
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