Seattle Seahawks 2023 Season Prediction

If you aren’t familiar with the current team, I covered the roster at this link, including player specific notes at the end. https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/8/24/23845289/seattle-seahawks-2023-53-man-roster-projection

I’m very excited about what I’ve witnessed this summer. The team has better chemistry and are looser than I’ve seen in years. They are lightning fast and have pro bowl talent all over the roster at QB, OT, WR, DE, Edge, CB, LB, and Safety. The pass rush looks legit. The concern is the interior of their line on both sides of the ball and whether they can control the line of scrimmage. Though, with Bobby Wagner and Ken Walker behind each, I’m feeling pretty good about it. Either way, the Seahawks will be able to score enough points to overcome most of those issues. This roster is excellent and ready to compete at a high level with any team in the NFL.

The following predictions are based on what I’ve personally seen and know about the Seahawks players, as well as analysis of the opponents including reviewing the rosters, watching all-22 of the preseason, reviewing their FA additions and loses, and the games played prior to playing the Seahawks. These are my best guesses at to what 12s will see this season. WARNING!! It’s going to be a FUN season!!!

Week 1 – September 10th, Lumen Field vs. Los Angeles Rams @ 1:25pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The Rams still have some star power in Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford, as well as one of the NFLs best offensive minds in Head Coach Sean McVay. With that alone they have the ability to surprise good teams in the NFL and beat the poorer ones. However, the rest of their roster is filled out with names average NFL fans have never heard of. Their starting position groups as a whole are below average outside of QB and DE and their depth is even worse. Sean McVay had Pete Carroll’s number during the years 2017-2021, going 8-3 against him, including a playoff win in Seattle in 2020. However, the Seahawks swept the Rams in 2022, so that may be coming to an end.

The Seahawks will have the roster advantage in every facet of this game and should win comfortably at home. Kupp will make his plays and Donald will get his sack and hurries but respectively, so will DK and Lockett, and Nwosu and the edge rushers for Seattle. Ken Walker will be unstoppable, as the Rams suspect linebacking core will have trouble matching his speed and the offense will keep the Rams at a distance all game.

Rams 16 – Seahawks 27

Record: 1-0

Week 2 – September 17th, Ford Field @ Detroit Lions @ 10:00am PST on Fox and NFL+

The Lions have a complete roster, a stout run defense and explosive offense. Their offensive line is stacked with young talent from tackle to tackle. Their running backs are fast, shifty, and great in the pass game, and St. Brown will give any secondary fits. On defense, their front 7 is built to stop the run and they have a legitimate edge threat in Aiden Hutchinson. Their secondary is suspect even with the additions of Moseley and Gardner-Johnson. The passing game is where Seattle will do its damage, as Detroit doesn’t have the speed or size to contend with Lockett, Metcalf, and the excellent Tight End group.

This game might look a bit different than the 2022 shootout because Detroit’s stars of that game, Williams and Hockinson, are no longer on the team, but St. Brown, Gibbs, and Montgomery weren’t in that game either, so it’s a wash. This game is going to be a slugfest and should be very fun to watch.

The Seahawks have the difference maker in this game and his name is Geno Smith. Jared Goff makes the mistakes Geno doesn’t and the Seahawks pull out a close one on the road to start 2-0.

Seahawks 34 – Lions 31

Record: 2-0

Week 3 – September 24th, Lumen Field vs Carolina Panthers @ 1:05pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The Panthers have a complete roster that will require the Seahawks to play sound football to pull out a victory. The Panthers offense isn’t going to blow the roof off of anyone, but it has explosive athletes in Hayden Hurst, Jonathan Mingo, and DJ Chark in the passing game and seasoned vet Adam Thielen to keep a secondary honest. Their offensive line is strong in the run game and the legs of Miles Sanders and Bryce Young will require the front 7 to be gap sound at all times to avoid explosive plays. The Panthers are even better on defense with an excellent pass rush of Burns, Houston, and Brown, and big athletic linebackers in Luvu and Thompson. Their secondary is very good with excellent depth, highlighted by potential superstar JC Horn and season veteran Von Bell.

This is a better Panthers team than the one that beat Seattle last season, but so are the Seahawks. The Seahawks will need to be mistake free and their superstars will need to shine to win this game comfortably. Scoring will be hard to come by and time of possession will be a large factor in deciding who wins this game. Good news for the Seahawks! Superstar Jamal Adams returns this week to keep Bryce Young’s legs corralled and future superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes his Seahawks debut with multiple crucial 3rd down grabs and a 2nd half TD to secure the game.

The Seahawks control the time of possession this game due to having the combo of Walker III and Charbonnet, much different than the duo last season of Travis Homer and Tony Jones. The Panthers rushed for over 200 yards in that game last season, which will be hard to do with Bobby Wagner back in the center of the fold. Seahawks start 3-0.

Panthers 20 – Seahawks 24

Record: 3-0

Week 4 – October 2nd (Monday Night Football), Metlife Stadium @ New York Giants @ 5:15pm PST on ESPN

The Giants roster is stacked on both sides of the ball and is a much better team than the one the Seahawks beat 27-13 last year. The additions of Paris Campbell, Daren Waller, and John Michael Schmidt on offense along with A’Shawn Robinson and Bobby Okereke on defense are significant. The Seahawks are much better as well and the rookie additions of Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon should be back to 100% by this week, Jamal Adams as well. Like the previous week against Carolina this should be a ground and pound slugfest with explosive plays throughout. Both teams have home run hitting backs and receivers, lines that can protect long enough to allow those plays to develop, and QBs that don’t turn the ball over. The Giants have the better defensive front 7 but the Seahawks have the better back end. The team that plays the cleanest game should win.

The Giants will be a bit desperate this week after a 1-2 start with loses to the Cowboys and 49ers and will be at home on primetime. The Seahawks will have their hands full with an aggressive pass rush from just about every position on the front 7. They will have to keep the Giants honest by controlling the line of scrimmage with the quick passing game and running the ball.

This will be another test for the improvement of Seattle’s terrible run defense from last year. Jamal Adams, holding Barkley in check, shows why the Seahawks have never wavered in support of their superstar. Diggs keeps Campbell and Hyatt in front and makes the Giants work for their points. The Giants QB is still Daniel Jones. Geno, Lockett, and Metcalf pull away to seal the road win on national television and show the nation the ‘Hawks are for real.

Seahawks 27 – Giants 23

Record: 4-0

Week 5 – Bye – Early bye weeks SUCK!!! Especially when the team is on a roll.

Week 6 – October 15th, Paycor Stadium @ Cincinnati Bengals @ 10:00am PST on CBS and NFL+

The best receiving corps in the NFL and a top 5 quarterback will be a real test for the strength of the Seahawks secondary that has received a lot of hype. The Bengals offense is full of firepower and the Orlando Brown signing solidifies the offensive line. They can stress all levels and schemes of a defense. On defense, they have pro bowl caliber ends in Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson along with solid defensive tackles and linebackers. However, their secondary is average, and their depth is poor as the Bengals lost their excellent safety tandem of Jessie Bates and Von Bell. If the Seahawks offensive line can keep the pass rush under control, then the receivers match up well enough to keep pace scoring with the Bengals offense. This game will come down to which defense stops the run…because neither team passing games will be stopped.

Joe Mixon and the improved offensive line along with Burrow’s escapability will prove too much for the Seahawks on the road, across the country, at 10am. It will be an exciting back and forth high scoring affair which will display all sorts of offensive firepower and big plays galore.

The die hard in me wants to say the Seahawks pull this one out, and maybe they do, but the Bengals should be 5-0 and flying high knowing they are approaching the end of their Super Bowl window. This Bengals team will be a tough defeat in 2023 and the young Seahawks aren’t quite ready to pull it off in the morning on the road. The Seahawks fall to 4-1 and 2nd place in the NFC West behind the 5-0 49ers, who just pulled off a big win against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

Seahawks 30 – Bengals 34

Record: 4-1

Week 7 – October 22nd, Lumen Field vs Arizona Cardinals @ 1:05pm PST on Fox and NFL+

This will be quick. The Cardinals were the worst roster in the NFL even before they traded Isaiah Simmons, and they are still the worst. No one in their building likes their best player Kyler Murray, except Kyler Murray. This should be a slaughter by the Seahawks.

Cardinals 13 – Seahawks 30

Record: 5-1

Week 8 – October 29th, Lumen Field vs Cleveland Browns @ 1:05pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The epic anticipation of the return of starting center Ethan Pocic, I’m sure many 12’s have this one circled on their calendar. Ok, probably not.

I feel so bad for Browns fans. Every year I want them to be good and make a great story for the city and the NFL, but I guess they have to wait a little longer. The sports gods are probably still collecting for giving the Cavs three straight in the Finals against the Warriors.

This is a good team but not great. Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL and Cleveland’s offensive line is stout, but Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper aren’t scaring this secondary out of an 8-man box. The Seahawks defense should be able to keep the Browns offense from controlling the game. On defense the Browns have an excellent line and pass rush but their linebackers and secondary are thin on talent, aside from Denzel Ward. The Seahawks offense should be able to have their way with the Browns defense.

This should be a generally close game while both teams play ball control with the running game, mainly to tame each other’s pass rush. In the end the Browns secondary won’t be able to contain Seattle’s trio of receivers to keep it close enough for Chubb to win it. Seahawks improve to an impressive 6-1 on the season, just 0.5 game back of the NFC West lead after the Bengals defeat the 49ers in Santa Clara.

Browns 20 – Seahawks 28

Record: 6-1

Week 9 – November 5th, M&T Bank Stadium @ Baltimore Ravens @ 10:00am PST on CBS and NFL+

The Ravens have an excellent roster with talent at all position groups. The addition of Odell Beckham Jr is significant and if he returns to form will be the best wide receiver Lamar Jackson has ever played with by a large margin (2nd is Marquise Brown from ‘19-’21). Nelson Agholor would also be high on that list, and Zay Flowers looks every bit as explosive as advertised, making this by far the best receiving group Jackson has ever had. A healthy and explosive JK Dobbins and a savvy Gus Edwards makes the Ravens as lethal on the ground as in the air. Their offensive line is above average, anchored by all-pro LT Ronnie Stanly and 2022 1st Round pick Tyler Linderbaum. This could be one of the top offenses in the NFL in 2023. The Seahawks are going to need to score points consistently to win this game.

On defense the Ravens line is suspect, but their linebackers may be the best group in the NFL and can cover any deficiencies on the line. Their secondary is led by All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey on the right side paired with free agent signing Rock Ya-Sin on the left and an excellent duo of Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton on the back end. The defense will be tough to gain yards on.

As against the Bengals this is just too explosive of a team to overcome at 10am after traveling across the country. The Seahawks defense will find Jackson hard to contain and as the Ravens running game keeps their pass rush honest Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham will run free with the extra time to get open. If the Seahawks win this game, it will be because their offense controlled the ball with the running game, scored touchdowns, and minimized the opportunities of the Ravens offense. That’s a tall task against these linebackers. Seahawks drop to 6-2 and a full game behind San Francisco in the NFC West.

Seahawks 23 – Ravens 27

Record: 6-2

Week 10 – November 12th, Lumen Field vs. Washington Commanders @ 1:25pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The Commanders have a top 10 defensive line in the NFL. However, their linebackers are Cody Barton and David Mayo, yeah. Their secondary is just as devoid of talent, though Forbes is an interesting prospect. Their starting QB will likely be Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett, yeah. This will be a smooth home victory to recover from the beat down by the Ravens.

Commanders 13 – Seahawks 30

Record: 7-2

Week 11 – November 19th, SoFi Stadium @ Los Angeles Rams @ 1:25pm PST on Fox and NFL+

Not much has changed since week 1. Seahawks roll on a short road trip and head home to prepare for their Thanksgiving Night showdown with the 9-1 49ers, for 1st place in the NFC West.

Seahawks 31 – Rams 20

Record: 8-2

Week 12 – November 21st, Lumen Field vs San Francisco Forty Niners @ 5:20pm PST on NBC and NFL+

The gauntlet of Seattle’s schedule begins here. It pains me to spend much time on this match-up, it’s lopsided, at every position group, and not in Seattle’s favor. If Seattle wins, it’s because Geno and the receivers work quick game magic and wear down the 49ers formidable front seven for a few DK explosives. The defense plays old school Pete Carroll Primetime TV Defense and holds McCaffrey, the stacked receiving core, and Shanahan play calling to respectable numbers, and most importantly, keeps them out of the end zone.

That happens!! The Seahawks tie for the division lead at 9-2!!! (yeah, yeah, sheeuuuut up haters. Lol. I will be at this game. I ain’t picking the Whiners.)

49ers 23 – Seahawks 24

Record: 9-2

Week 13 – November 30th, AT&T Stadium @ Dallas Cowboys @ 5:20pm PST on NFL Network and NFL+

The Cowboys are a slight step down from the 49ers in roster quality, but they are still a couple steps up on the young Seahawks. The magic won’t work for Geno and crew two weeks in a row, especially on the road. The Seahawks head home for their mini bye at 9-3, finishing the weekend still tied for 1st place in the NFC West after the 49ers lose to the Eagles.

Seahawks 23 – Cowboys 27

Record: 9-3

Week 14 – December 10th, Levi Stadium @ San Francisco 49ers @ 1:05pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The showdown for the NFC West lead will most likely be flexed into primetime. Even with the few extra days off the young Seahawks will be stressed at the end of this 3-game stretch. The 49ers seasoned vets are on a mission for the Lombardi Trophy and break away in the 4th quarter to take a one game lead in the NFC West, and likely 1st place in the NFC.

Seahawks 23 – 49ers 31

Record: 9-4

Week 15 – December 17th, Lumen Field vs. Philadelphia Eagles @ 1:25pm PST on Fox and NFL+

Another game with a high likelihood of being flexed into primetime as it could be for 2nd place in the NFC. The Eagles have a brutal schedule up to this point having played 7 games against playoff teams in the Vikings, Jets, Cowboys, Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, and Cowboys again. There’s a chance the Seahawks and Eagles have similar records at this point in the season, both chasing the 49ers. That won’t last long because the Eagles have the best roster in the league and can exploit all our weaknesses.

Cox, Carter, and Davis will destroy our new interior offensive line and running game. Graham, Sweat, and Reddick will harass Geno, reduce the time Slay and Bradburry have to cover, and keep the offense modest. Hurts, Swift, Penny and the Eagles top 5 offensive line will give our defensive line fits, draining our linebackers, and opening up the play action for their stacked receiving group to run free.

This one won’t be fun, but it will be a true test of where the Seahawks are as a young team and where they need to focus headed into the playoffs. Seahawks fall to 9-5, fighting for the top wild card seed.

Eagles 34 – Seahawks 24

Record: 9-5

Week 16 – December 24th, Nissan Stadium @ Tennessee Titans @ 10:00am PST on CBS and NFL+

With three losses in a row the Seahawks travel across the country for another 10am contest against Derrick Henry, Deandre Hopkins, Jeffery Simmons and the average Titans. The Titans were the worst pass defense last season, and the addition of Sean Murphy-Bunting won’t change that much. The Titans defense will not be able to keep the Seahawks offense from controlling the clock, holding a lead, and keeping the ball out of Henry’s hands.

Seahawks get to double digit wins for the first time since 2020’s NFC West title team.

Seahawks 28 – Titans 17

Record: 10-5

Week 17 – December 31st, Lumen Field vs. Pittsburgh Steelers @ 1:05pm PST on Fox and NFL+

Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky is the QB, surrounded by an average roster, explosive running back, and an All-Pro edge player. This has the makings of the upset game the Seahawks give up every year. Last year it was Darnold’s Panthers, 2021 it was anyone (Heinike w/Wash, Foles w/Bears, McCoy w/Cards), 2020 it was Colt McCoy’s Giants, you get the point. That won’t happen this week, the team is young and will be playing loose headed into the playoffs. Seahawks improve to 11-5.

Steelers 16 – Seahawks 30

Record: 11-5

Week 18 – January 7th, State Farm Stadium @ Arizona Cardinals @ 1:25pm PST on Fox and NFL+

The Cardinals are all in on the Caleb Williams sweepstakes and there’s not a chance they put an ounce of effort to win this game. A fantastic tune up opportunity heading into the playoffs!

Seahawks finish the season at 12-5, missing out on the NFC West by one game to the 49ers, who finish 2nd in the NFC after losing the tiebreaker to the Eagles at 13-4. The Cowboys get the 5th seed with the tiebreaker over Seattle who gets the 6th seed. 7th seed doesn’t even matter because they will get slaughtered by whoever of the Eagles, Cowboys, or 49ers end up as the 2nd seed.

Seahawks 27 – Cardinals 13

Record: 12-5

Week 19 – January 13th-15th, Wild Card Playoffs @ NFC North or South Division Winner

Which division winner will be worse between the NFC North and NFC South? After looking at the rosters of the possible teams, the Seahawks will be playing on the road at either Detroit, Minnesota, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Carolina, or New Orleans, shoot, Green Bay could surprise. Yeah, the rosters are that close. For this early projection I’ll roll with the NFC South beating each other up, New Orleans getting the division and the 4th seed, and the Lions winning the North for the 3rd seed. It doesn’t matter because Seattle is a better team than all of them. Seattle will roll on the road and head to the division round to face a powerhouse.

Seahawks 33 – Lions 24

Record: 13-5

Week 20 – January 20th-22nd, Division Round Playoffs, Lincoln Financial Field @ #1 Philadelphia Eagles

The 49ers will beat the 7th seed and face the Cowboys in San Francisco, which should be an epic clash. Seattle, the lowest remaining seed, gets the unfortunate task of going to #1 seed Philadelphia for a beat down.

The Seahawks will keep it respectable, just like their season.

Seahawks 25 – Eagles 34

Final Record: 13-6

PPG Off: 27.4 pts

PPGA Def: 22.4 pts

Pro Bowl: Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, Abraham Lucas, Dre’mont Jones, Tariq Woolen, Quandre Diggs, Michael Dickson

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Geno Smith (5 MVP votes)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Carter

Pete Carroll is back with a young, hungry, and talented team to build into Super Bowl contenders, even without Jalen Carter.

Watch out for the 2024 Seattle Seahawks!!!

For the sake of finishing the season prediction:

Eagles over 49ers in the NFC Championship

Jets over Chargers in the AFC Championship

Eagles over Jets in Super Bowl