No NFL team has much time to test whether a new scheme or new players in a different scheme will work well. While there are three preseason games, these are often used to determine who will make up the bottom of the roster. New quarterback Sam Darnold might not play much in those meaningless games for the Seattle Seahawks.
That means Seattle has to go from zero to 60 in about one minute when the season begins. While the team might improve as the season progresses, any loss can harm Seattle's chances of making the playoffs.
The Seahawks had the same record as the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, but a bad loss to the New York Giants in Week 5 arguably cost the team a postseason spot. Losing in Week 1 won't end Seattle's season, but it could hurt their standing later.
2025 NFL schedule leak: Seahawks to host the 49ers in Week 1
The 2025 NFL schedule is set to be released on Wednesday, May 14, at 5 p.m. PT, and there will be leaks throughout the day. Many of these might not have much to do with the Seahawks because they are way out in the Pacific Northwest. Many notable leaks will probably focus on East Coast teams and teams with huge fan bases, such as the Dallas Cowboys.
One might also want to consider whether a "leak" is real. Multiple reputable sources might need to be checked. If a social media handle you have never heard of says Seattle is playing someone, maybe don't take it at face value until reporters such as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times back it up.
That said, Seattle has been leaked to host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. KJR's Dave "Softy" Mahler tweeted as much. Maybe he is wrong, but we know he doesn't float ideas to get his name in the news. In other words, there is a good chance San Fran is traveling to Seattle to open the season.
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) May 13, 2025Hearing the Seahawks will open the season vs the 49ers at home on 9/7
Official announcement comes tomorrow
If this does happen, new Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will begin his revenge tour early. He will face three of his former teams this coming season. Seattle plays the 49ers twice, of course, since they are an NFC West foe. It will also take on the Carolina Panthers (where Darnold started 17 games) and the Minnesota Vikings, which Darnold played for last season.
To be fair, outwardly, Darnold does not seem to be the kind of person who would hold a grudge, but athletes are also going to use any inspiration they can to help them perform even better. For the Seahawks, the team needs to hope that Darnold is angry and safely aggressive against the 49ers in Week 1.
