The Seattle Seahawks are knocking on the door of the postseason, and with Week 16 looming, they’ve got a chance to kick that door wide open. Under Mike Macdonald’s leadership, this team has found its identity-and it’s a dangerous one.
Sam Darnold has stepped into the spotlight with confidence, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is playing like a man possessed, and the defense? It’s been one of the most disruptive units in the league.
Sure, there have been a few bumps along the way-Darnold’s outing against the Rams earlier this season comes to mind-but overall, Seattle has been one of the more complete teams in the NFL. And now, they’ve got a primetime opportunity to lock in a playoff berth and possibly more.
Seahawks’ Playoff Picture: Two Clear Paths in Week 16
The math is simple. The Seahawks can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16 in one of two ways.
The first-and most straightforward-is to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. A win would push Seattle to 12-3, officially securing a playoff berth.
But that’s just the start. That victory would also put them in prime position to take the NFC West crown and even challenge for the NFC’s top seed.
That’s the kind of win that reshapes the playoff landscape.
But even if Seattle stumbles against the Rams, they’re not out of luck. There’s a backup route to the postseason that doesn’t require a win-just a little help from the AFC.
If the Detroit Lions fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle still punches their ticket to the playoffs. And if that game ends in a tie?
Same result: the Seahawks are in.
Now, the Lions are no pushover, especially at home. But the Steelers are in the middle of a heated AFC North race with the Ravens, and they’ll be playing with urgency. It’s not a far-fetched scenario.
The only way Seattle misses out on clinching this week? A loss to the Rams coupled with a Lions win.
That’s the one combination that keeps the playoff spot on ice for at least another week. And even then, the Seahawks would still control their own destiny heading into the final stretch of the season.
A Statement Opportunity
This Week 16 matchup isn’t just about clinching a playoff berth-it’s about momentum, confidence, and sending a message. Seattle has a chance to show the league that they’re not just a playoff team, but a legitimate contender in the NFC. Locking up a spot early would allow Macdonald’s crew to manage the final weeks with a sharper focus on seeding and health.
With Darnold showing flashes of the quarterback many hoped he’d become, Smith-Njigba playing like the best receiver in football, and a defense that’s been giving offensive coordinators nightmares, the Seahawks are built to do damage in January. Now they just need to seal the deal.
Thursday night’s game gives them that shot. Win, and they’re in-potentially with a shot at the NFC’s top seed.
Lose, and they’ll be scoreboard watching on Sunday. Either way, Seattle’s postseason path is clearer than ever.
And if they keep playing the way they have, it’s hard to see them missing it.