Fantasy outlook for Seahawks-Patriots Week 1 matchup
Analyst Rich Hribar evaluates key players and defensive trends for the Seahawks and Patriots ahead of the NFL opening night, highlighting uncertainties around quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.
Analyst Rich Hribar’s Week 1 fantasy worksheet breaks down the Seahawks-Patriots opener, focusing on quarterback, running back and receiver prospects. He notes that Seattle’s passing defense, which allowed 11.5 points per game and the fewest yards per pass attempt last season, will test Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, whose 2025 postseason showed a drop in completion rate and increased pressure. Maye’s fantasy upside is limited by volatility, and Hribar suggests he may not rank among the top 12 quarterbacks for the season opener.
Seattle’s offense also faces changes after losing safety Coby Bryant and drafting rookie Bud Clark, who suffered a season-ending ankle fracture. Backup safeties Josh Jobe and Ty Okada are expected to see increased roles, though Okada’s hamstring injury could affect his availability. The Seahawks’ offensive line has been bolstered by the addition of Alijah Vera-Tucker, giving quarterback Sam Darnold a more stable platform, though Hribar expects Darnold to remain a secondary fantasy option.
At running back, rookie Jadarian Price, Seattle’s first-round pick, enters the league with limited college touches and concerns about ball security and pass protection. Hribar projects him as a volatile RB2/FLEX. New England’s back Rhamondre Stevenson is likely to receive the bulk of snaps, especially if Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards in 2025, is expected to continue as Seattle’s top target despite potential regression. The analyst also mentions A.J. Brown, now with New England, as a WR2 candidate, while Seattle’s slot receiver Romeo Doubs and newcomer Rashid Shaheed are projected as lower-tier fantasy options. Tight ends Hunter Henry and A.J. Barner are described as touchdown-dependent TE2s, with limited target shares.
Overall, Hribar advises caution on high-variance players and highlights the impact of defensive matchups and injury reports on fantasy values for the opening week.