Can The Seahawks Win The NFC West?

When looking at the Seattle Seahawks, the entire team starts and ends with quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson – a former third-round draft pick – is a six-time pro bowler. He is undoubtedly one of the best in the game and is on pace to be seen as one of the best all-time. Wilson’s got an uncanny ability to extend plays with his mobility, and in-turn create massive chunk plays. Looking around the rest of the team begs the question, have the Seahawks done enough to win the NFC West? Let’s take a look.

Offensively, the Seahawks lost slot receiver (and defacto #1 receiver) Doug Baldwin to retirement by way of injury. Outside of Baldwin, the Seahawks didn’t really have many moves offensively. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett now moves up the depth chart and automatically becomes the top target, though many have high hopes for rookie D.K. Metcalf (currently nursing an injury). The tight end position returns second-year player Will Dissly who impressed as a rookie, though he is also returning from an injury (torn patella tendon). The running back group remains the same with starter Chris Carson set to receive majority of the work and backup Rashaad Penny attempting to forget a rough rookie season where he simply wasn’t used a ton. The indication thus far is that Carson will once again be featured as a runner (and more work as a receiver), with Penny usurping work as a receiver.

The potential Achilles heel for the offense will be the five men upfront, the offensive line. Wilson was sacked 51 times in 2018, a number that is simply too high for a guy as mobile as Wilson is. Unfortunately for Wilson, the Seahawks really didn’t address the offensive line woes with any new additions outside of Mike Iupati, who seems to be far past his prime. The offense is once again likely to use a heavy dosage of the rushing attack, stemming into a deep passing game.

Defensively, the Seahawks had a lot more movement with the losses of safety Earl Thomas and defensive end Frank Clark. Thomas was lost in free agency, though the Seahawks elected to trade Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs, receiving good draft capital in the process. With the opened holes, the Seahawks recently traded for star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, added veteran Ziggy Ansah in free agency, and drafted defensive end L.J. Collier and safety Marquise Blair to help mask the departed.

Taking a step back and evaluating the situation, the defense could very well improve as they possess a lot of talented players, particularly ones who can take the next step forward in their development. Guys such as defensive tackle Poona Ford and cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tre’ Flowers are specific guys to look out for.

Currently, the best bet for the Seahawks to win the NFC West is +290, and you can bet on their odds here. Looking around the division, it’s unlikely the San Francisco 49ers or Arizona Cardinals will threaten for the division crown, leaving the Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams to fend for the top spot. The Rams were the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl in 2018, making them a clear favorite to repeat, though the Seahawks shouldn’t be forgotten about. It’s likely the Rams do repeat, and my prediction is they will, though the Seahawks are always a tough play and are never truly out of it, mainly due to the magic of their quarterback as he gives them a fair shot to win every time they touch the field.

Making a lot of moves over the offseason, the Seattle Seahawks are sure to once again be in contention come years end. Whether or not they win the NFC West is the question. With their nucleus of talented players, they can never truly be ruled out.