In recent years, the Seattle Seahawks have struggled in the NFL. Long gone are the days of the Legon of Boom, Marshawn Lynch, Russell Wilson, and back-to-back Super Bowls. Now, the Washington state side finds itself at a crossroads.
Despite a modest record of nine wins against eight losses, the Lumen Field outfit missed out on the playoffs last season for the second time in three years, and they did so in heartbreaking fashion. the Green Bay Packers finished ahead of them based on the strength of victory, claiming the seventh and final playoff spot at the Seahawks’ expense. After ten game weeks, it looked as though the postseason was a certainty as they sat with a record of 6-7, but four defeats on the spin curtailed any hopes they had of reaching the playoffs.
As we approach the 2024 campaign, Seattle is once more considered an outsider for the Lombardi. And they will have several tough tests throughout the season, not including home and away clashes against their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers. So, who will be their toughest tests outside of the NFC West this term? Let’s find out.
Miami Dolphins
The Seahawks have a relatively simple start to the season as they welcome the Denver Broncos to Lumen on week one before heading to face a poor New England Patriots side the following week. The Pats aren’t the feared force of old and they will be heading into the new season without coaching ace Bill Belichick for the first time in over two decades.
As such, even though the NFL odds for week 2 haven’t yet been posted – with bookies waiting to see how things play out on week one first – you can expect the Seahawks to be considered favorites. One only needs to take a look at both teams’ Lombardi odds for confirmation of that, with the Hawks priced at +7500 and their Foxborough-based rivals at +18000, the fourth-longest odds in the entire league.
The Seahawks’ first major test comes early in Week 3 when they host the Miami Dolphins. Under head coach Mke McDaniel, the Floridians have been steadily improving and are now considered serious contenders in the AFC. With a dynamic offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, the Hard Rock Stadium outfit is as good as any team in the league on their day. Plus, if recent addition Odell Beckham Jr. can display the type of form that saw him become a household name with the New York Giants, then the Dolphins could have serious Lombardi hopes next term.
Detroit Lions
After two easy games to start the season, two difficult tests immediately follow. One week after the visit of the Dolphins, the Seahawks head to Ford Field to face off against a rejuvenated Detroit Lons side that made it all the way to the NFC Championship game last term. Under the tutelage of head coach Dan Campbell, the Michigan outfit has become a genuine contender in the conference and ended their 32-year wait for a postseason victory.
Former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff has had a new lease of life in Motor City, throwing for a whopping 4,575 yards last season, the second most in the entire league. The addition of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was a standout rookie last season, adds a new dimension to their ground game, and the Seahawks defense will need to be prepared for a balanced attack that can exploit both the run and pass.
Buffalo Bills
Week 8 pits the Seahawks against the Buffalo Bills, one of the AFC’s powerhouses. Coached by Sean McDermott, the Highmark outfit has consistently been one of the league’s top teams, thanks largely to the exceptional play of quarterback Josh Allen.
The former University of Wyoming standout’s dual-threat capability makes him a defensive nightmare. His connection with wide receiver Stefon Diggs is among the most productive in the league, and they will be one of the most feared double acts again next term, alongside pairings with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Seattle’s defense must find a way to limit Allen’s impact, which means containing him in the pocket and minimizing his explosive plays downfield.
New York Jets
One of the most intriguing matchups of the season comes in Week 13 when the Seahawks travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets. The arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers was supposed to transform the Green Machine’s offense last season, however, a season-ending Achilles injury six minutes into his debut ended that. This term, the four-time MVP will be hoping to jump-start his life in the Big Apple, and the Jets are expected to end their 13-year wait for a trip to the playoffs.
Defensively, they boast one of the best units in the league. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams anchors a ferocious front, while the secondary, led by rookie sensation Sauce Gardner, is adept at shutting down opposing passing attacks. For the Seahawks, finding ways to counter the Jets’ defensive schemes will be key to their success, and any playoff hopes they harbor could rest solely on this late-season clash.
