The Seattle Seahawks have secured a berth in the 2023 NFL playoffs as the NFC’s No. 7 seed. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, let’s delve into the intricacies surrounding the Seahawks’ playoff journey, exploring their odds, schedule, and the highly anticipated NFC West showdown.
According to DraftKings, the Seahawks currently sit at +1600 to win the Super Bowl, placing them as the 15th overall favorite. While their odds may seem modest, history suggests that anything can happen in the playoffs, as evidenced by the New York Giants’ unlikely triumph in 2023.
Advanced analytics platforms also paint a mixed picture. Football Outsiders’ DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) ranks the Seahawks as the 13th-best team in the league, while Pro Football Focus’s ELO (Expected Loss Over Average) system projects them as the 16th-best. These metrics indicate that the Seahawks have both strengths and areas for improvement.
The Seahawks will open their playoff campaign on Saturday, January 14, at home against the No. 2 seed San Francisco 49ers. This will be a highly anticipated rematch of the Week 15 regular-season contest, which the 49ers won 21-13.
Should the Seahawks upset the 49ers, they will then face either the No. 1 seed Philadelphia Eagles or the No. 5 seed Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round. Both opponents present formidable challenges, but the Seahawks have shown resilience throughout the season and should not be underestimated.
NFC West Showdown
The Seahawks’ playoff opener against the 49ers sets the stage for a captivating NFC West showdown. The two rivals have a storied history, and the playoffs provide an even grander platform for their rivalry.
Under first-year head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have emerged as one of the league’s most dominant teams, boasting a balanced offense led by quarterback Trey Lance and a stout defense anchored by Nick Bosa. The Seahawks, however, have demonstrated their resilience and ability to compete with top teams, as evidenced by their impressive victory over the New York Giants in Week 8.
The outcome of this divisional matchup will largely depend on the Seahawks’ ability to contain the 49ers’ potent running game and protect their quarterback Geno Smith. The Seahawks have allowed an average of 118.7 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks them 23rd in the NFL. They will need to shore up their run defense against a 49ers squad that boasts a physical and versatile ground attack.
The Seahawks’ playoff journey will be fraught with challenges, but they have shown throughout the season that they are capable of overcoming adversity. The odds and predictions may not favor them, but they have the talent and determination to make a deep playoff run.
The NFC West showdown against the 49ers will be the ultimate test for the Seahawks. If they can pull off an upset, it will send a resounding message that they are a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of the outcome, the Seahawks’ playoff odyssey promises to be a captivating and memorable one.
