The Seahawks had two close games with the 49ers last season in two losses and look to battle it out with them again for NFC West supremacy.
Seattle uses a run-heavy attack on offense but the key for them getting back to the Super Bowl may be the play of Russell Wilson and the defense.
Odds to win NFC West: +225
Odds to win NFC: +1100
Odds to win Super Bowl: +2200
Key Additions: The Seahawks were busy in the off-season with the additions of TE Greg Olson, RB Carlos Hyde, WR Phillip Dorsett, and CB Quinton Dunbar.
In the draft they took LB Jordyn Brooks with their first-round pick and DE Darrell Taylor with their second-round pick.
The defensive duo of Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa were added to help a pass rush that was weak last season.
Key Losses: As of July 20 Jadeveon Clowney remains unsigned and even though he had an off-season last year if the free agent bolts it will be a big loss. The team also lost DE Quinton Jefferson.
Season Preview
The Seahawks were 11-5 last season in a little bit of a strange season for the team that lost four games at home and Seattle is one of the toughest places to play in the league.
The team ranked in the middle of the pack last season in passing yards per game and fourth in rushing yards per game.
Carlos Hyde joins the backfield led by Chris Carson, who rushed for 1,230 yards last season with Rashaad Penny and Wilson each rushing for at least 342 yards.
Injuries Took Toll
While Seattle’s bread and butter is the run game Wilson passed for over 4,100 yards last season with 31 TD and only 5 INT.
Penny and Carson were lost late to injuries last season, which killed the Seahawks Super Bowl hopes and the health of the RB’s is key for the team making a deep playoff run this season.
Wilson has Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, who combined for nearly 2,000 receiving yards last season. WR Phillip Dorsett will get some looks and the team is hoping Greg Olson can get back to being one of the best tight ends in the league.
Defense Ranked 25th
Surprisingly, the Seahawks only ranked 25th in the league last season on defense. They were helped with 32 turnovers and can the unit repeat that?
Clowney’s situation is still up in the air and the team only ranked 29thin the NFL last season in sacks.
Bruce Irvin and adding Benson Mayowa. Combined for 15.5 sacks last season and their pass-rushing skills will be needed this season.
Seattle feasted on turnovers last season but if they cannot force a ton again their D unit may be exposed.
The Seahawks don’t play the toughest schedule but not the easiest either. The two games against the 49ers are key and in three of their first four games, the team faces the Patriots, Cowboys, and Vikings and in the opener face the Falcons on the road.
Prediction: The Seahawks are still legit even though they have issues on the defensive side of the ball. They will have a winning record and will make the playoffs but will not make much noise there and they will not unseat the 49ers as NFC West champions.