2026 NFL Week 1 Top Takeaways and Biggest Questions for Every Team

Every NFL season is different. The Seattle Seahawks found out rather quickly during the 2027 campaign's opening contest.

The defending Super Bowl champs had their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, for a total of five plays during Wednesday's season-opener against the New England Patriots—which saw a completely different outcome than what occurred during Super Bowl LX.

The latest campaign looks drastically different already, and it just began.

Check back throughout the weekend as Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts break down each contest and provide takeaways from all of the action.

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffers a hip injury against the New England Patriots.

Seahawks 13, Patriots 10

Can Seahawks Continue Winning Ways with Drew Lock at QB?

The answer seems fairly obvious after Wednesday's performance. Lock was fairly efficient and didn't make any major mistakes after taking over for Sam Darnold, who was ruled out of the contest thanks to an injured hip.

If the veteran backup is forced to serve as QB1 for an extended period, he'll eventually make mistakes and show the same erratic play seen throughout his seven-year career. However, Seattle has the luxury to lean on an established offensive line, talented running game, standout wide receivers and a top-notch defense. As a result, Lock is good enough to help the Seahawks win plenty of game if necessary.

Seattle's Defense Picks Up Where It Left Off, Which is Scary for Rest of NFL

The Seahawks defense isn't the same today as the unit that dominated during Super Bowl LX, but the group can still dictate a contest.

Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant and Boye Mafe left in free agency. Their absences were barely felt, if at all. Furthermore, safeties Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada weren't in the lineup due to injuries. Yet Seattle still allowed fewer than 300 yards at 4.1 yards per play. Plus, the group created three turnovers.

Drake Maye's Regression is Real

A three-interception outing isn't always the worst thing. In Maye's case, he couldn't have made worse decisions, which led to three turnovers.

Last season, the MVP runner-up emerged as one of the game's best deep-ball throwers. Seattle's secondary read Maye like a book, particularly when he wanted to push the ball down the field. He forced all three passes that led to the takeaways, while throwing the game away with under 30 seconds left in regulation despite the Patriots being in makeable field-goal range.

How Big Is AJ Brown's Injury to Patriots' Offense?

Part of Maye's problem stems from the fact his new WR1 left the contest and didn't return. Brown caught three passes for 26 yards in his Patriots debut. Unfortunately, the veteran target suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Brown can be a physically dominate X-receiver in New England's offense. Without him for any period of time, the Patriots once again find themselves in a place where the unit lacks a consistent threat on the outside.

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett

The NFL's 2027 International Series opens in Melbourne when the San Francisco 49ers meet the rival Los Angeles Rams. It's the league's first contest in Australia. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, will make his debut with the Rams. Though Los Angeles' defensive front will be without Aaron Donald.

Sunday's Week 1 Slate

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen

A total of 13 games will be played during the first Sunday of the 2027 campaign. Each matchup is intriguing at some level. However, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen facing the Houston Texans' ferocious defense has to be the biggest showdown.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

Less than nine months ago, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL. The two-time NFL MVP will be in the lineup Monday against the Denver Broncos. Will he be the same Mahomes, though? Denver's standout defense will find out sooner rather than later.