The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a familiar opponent this Sunday - the Atlanta Falcons. It’s a rematch of last season’s meeting, when Seattle went into Atlanta and left with a commanding 34-14 win.
This time, the stakes are a bit different. The Seahawks are within striking distance of back-to-back 10-win seasons, while the Falcons are just trying to stop the bleeding.
Atlanta may not be a division rival, but these two teams have crossed paths enough in recent years to know each other’s tendencies. That said, this version of the Falcons is still evolving, particularly on offense with a veteran quarterback back under center and a head coach facing increasing pressure.
Let’s break down what Seattle fans should know heading into this matchup.
Cousins Returns, But the Offense Still Searching
Kirk Cousins is back at quarterback for Atlanta, but the offense hasn’t exactly taken off since his return. In three starts - against the Dolphins, Saints, and Jets - Cousins has gone 1-2 and looked like a player still shaking off the rust. The Falcons remain one of the league’s least efficient teams on third down, and without top wideout Drake London, the passing attack has lacked the explosive plays it showed earlier in the season when rookie Michael Penix Jr. was under center.
Cousins has shown incremental improvement each week, but this is still a unit trying to find its rhythm. Against a Seahawks defense that’s been dialing up pressure and forcing mistakes, Atlanta’s offense will need to be sharper than it’s been in recent weeks.
Raheem Morris Coaching for His Future?
It’s no secret that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is under the microscope. Atlanta is trending toward its eighth straight losing season, and that kind of drought doesn’t go unnoticed. While the defense has made meaningful progress - particularly thanks to a promising rookie class - the overall regression in the win column puts Morris in a tough spot.
To his credit, he hasn’t lost the locker room. The players still appear to be responding to him, which matters. But unless the Falcons pull off a strong finish to the season, Morris could be coaching his final games in Atlanta.
A Rising Star on Defense: Brandon Dorlus
One name Seahawks fans should keep an eye on? Brandon Dorlus.
The second-year defensive lineman has been one of the few bright spots for Atlanta this year. A fourth-round pick who barely saw the field as a rookie, Dorlus surprised many when he was named a Week 1 starter.
Since then, he’s made the most of the opportunity.
With a team-leading six sacks, Dorlus has become a key piece of Jeff Ulbrich’s defensive scheme. His versatility - able to line up inside or on the edge - has made him a matchup problem, and his motor hasn’t gone unnoticed. Seattle’s offensive line will need to account for him on every snap.
How the Falcons Could Pull Off the Upset
If Atlanta wants to flip the script and steal a win in Seattle, it starts with pressure. The Falcons have shown they can win games when their defense sets the tone - just ask the Buffalo Bills, who were stunned by Atlanta’s pass rush and ball-hawking secondary back in Week 6.
Getting to Sam Darnold and forcing turnovers is the blueprint. On the other side of the ball, the Falcons will need to ride Bijan Robinson.
The dynamic back nearly hit 200 total yards in last week’s loss to the Jets and remains their most consistent offensive weapon. If he gets going early and often, Atlanta can shorten the game and keep Seattle’s offense off the field.
Prediction: Seattle Pulls Away Late
While the Falcons have some pieces to keep this one competitive, the Seahawks are simply the more complete team right now. Atlanta’s offense is banged up, inconsistent, and lacking firepower without London. Even if their defense shows up, it’s hard to see Cousins and company doing enough to win a four-quarter battle.
Expect a strong start from the Falcons - maybe even an early lead - but Seattle’s physicality on defense and balance on offense should wear them down as the game progresses. Look for the Seahawks to make key plays in the second half and close the door late.
Final score prediction: Seahawks 24, Falcons 20.
Seattle keeps its playoff push alive. Atlanta, meanwhile, faces more questions about its future - both on the field and on the sideline.