As the NFL regular season winds down, the Seattle Seahawks are walking a fine line between a playoff berth and a second straight absence from the postseason. Thanks to a four-game winning streak, the Seahawks have clawed their way to the top of the NFC West, a division that they last won in 2020. With just a few weeks left, it’s all about what they can control on the field blended with a bit of luck when it comes to the other three teams in the tightest divisional race in the NFC.
If you are a Seahawks fan, this season has probably felt like a roller coaster ride, filled with highs and lows. Following a 3-0 start, the victories—though impressive from a record standpoint—came against the Denver Broncos (who have exceeded expectations this season), the New England Patriots, and the surprisingly struggling Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, that solid start was followed by three straight losses and five in their next six games.
Currently holding a slim one-game lead over the LA Rams and a two-game advantage over the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks are in control of their own destiny. For those who keep an eye on UK betting sites, the Seahawks odds of making the playoffs might not be as favorable as fans hope, considering they have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFC West.
Geno Smith, who is on pace to post his third winning season as Seattle’s starting quarterback while potentially finishing the regular schedule with his highest completion rate, total yards, and most touchdowns, holds a 53.7 QBR (quarterback rating), one of the lowest among divisional leaders. Smith’s struggles with turnovers have also given reason for fans to be concerned with the team as the playoffs approach.
Second-year wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba has been a nice addition to the Seahawks usual offensive targets of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. When it comes to the running game, rookie Zach Charbonnet has been impressive when given the ball, while Kenneth Walker III continues to be a problem for opposing defenders, bringing the same intensity and power that Marshawn Lynch once provided for the Seahawks.
Yet, for this team to go anywhere, the offensive line needs to continue to improve, and the whole unit needs to cut down on penalties and execute better once they enter the red zone. Facing three playoff contenders in their final four games, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has his work cut out for him. If Smith can get better protection, the odds of Seattle clinching a playoff berth become that much higher.
Allowing two fewer points per game than last season, the defense has improved but still has room for growth as they sit just outside the top ten. Transitioning from former defensive coordinator, now head coach Mike Macdonald’s game plan to that of first-time coordinator Aden Durde has been a bit of a learning curve. Julian Love (free safety) and Devon Witherspoon, both in their second season with the team, have proven to be absolute dogs for the Seahawks on defense, teaming up for 164 combined tackles.
Speaking of Macdonald, the rookie head coach has seen and heard his name included in the conversation for NFL Coach of the Year favorites, a position he was nowhere near just a few weeks ago. With a single victory, Macdonald will tie the team record for victories by a Seahawks first-year coach.
While Seattle is in the thick of the playoff race, the question at hand is, should they be successful in advancing to the postseason, will they be able to compete? Of their eight victories this year, their season-opening victory over the Broncos has been their only win over a team with a positive record. As one of the hottest teams in the league now, and with the talent to be able to make a significant playoff run, the next four weeks are going to be a wild ride for fans in the Northwest.
