The 2026 NFL season got its first touchdown from an unexpected source as New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon found the end zone against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night.
Raridon, a third-round selection out of Notre Dame, caught a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drake Maye in the second quarter. The score gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead after the extra point and immediately put the rookie tight end in the spotlight.
NFL Scores: Eli Raridon Opens the 2026 Season
For fans tracking the latest NFL scores, Raridon’s touchdown was one of the first major moments of the new season.
The Patriots’ rookie was not considered an obvious candidate to score the first touchdown of the year. During his four seasons at Notre Dame, Raridon recorded 58 receptions and three touchdowns. His strongest statistical campaign came in 2025, when he caught 32 passes for 482 yards, but he did not score a touchdown.
That changed Wednesday night.
Raridon gave New England the breakthrough after Maye connected with him on a short two-yard scoring pass. The touchdown was set up by a pass-interference penalty against Seattle while Maye was attempting to locate A.J. Brown on a flea-flicker.
Seahawks Lose Sam Darnold to Injury
Seattle also faced an early setback when starting quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury on the fifth play of the game.
Darnold was listed as questionable to return, with Drew Lock taking over at quarterback. The injury added another storyline to a matchup that already featured the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Seahawks entered the new campaign carrying the momentum of their Super Bowl 2026 championship, while the Patriots were looking to begin the season with a statement against the reigning champions.
NFL Schedule and Games Tonight
The opening week of the season has fans searching for the NFL schedule, NFL games tonight, and information about football game tonight coverage.
Common searches during Week 1 include what time is the NFL game tonight, what time is NFL game tonight, what time is the football game tonight, and what time is kickoff tonight. Fans are also looking for what NFL game is on tonight, who plays NFL tonight, and is there an NFL game tonight.
The 2026 NFL schedule Week 1 marks the beginning of another full season of regular-season football, with teams competing for playoff positions and an eventual trip to the Super Bowl.
How to Follow NFL Football Tonight
Fans looking for NFL games today on TV should check their local listings and the official broadcast information for each matchup. Searches such as NFL games today on TV channel what time, what channel is the football game on tonight, and what channel is football on tonight are especially popular during the opening week.
Those wanting to know where to watch football game tonight or where can I watch the football game tonight should check the broadcaster carrying the specific matchup in their region.
There is also strong interest in what football games are on tonight, what time does the football game start tonight, and what time is football on tonight as fans follow the Week 1 slate.
Patriots Schedule and 2026 NFL Season
The Patriots’ opening matchup against Seattle immediately puts the team under the spotlight. The Pats schedule will be closely followed throughout the season as New England attempts to establish itself as a contender.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks are beginning their title defense after winning the 2026 Super Bowl. Their performance throughout the season will be closely watched as they attempt to return to the championship game.
For fans asking when is the first NFL game of the season, the 2026 campaign has now officially begun, with New England and Seattle providing the opening-night action.
NFL Scores, Schedule and Week 1 Updates
The first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season belonged to Eli Raridon, making the Patriots rookie one of the early names to watch.
As Week 1 continues, fans will be monitoring NFL scores, the NFL football schedule, NFL schedule today, and the latest results across the league. Searches for first NFL game 2026, NFL football tonight, and where to watch Wednesday Night Football are expected to remain popular as the season gets underway.
With a rookie tight end scoring the first touchdown and Seattle already dealing with a quarterback injury, the 2026 NFL season has wasted little time delivering drama.
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