Seahawks Trending Up as Panthers Matchup Looms: Key Storylines from Seattle’s Week
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their Week 17 clash against the Carolina Panthers, there’s no shortage of storylines to watch. From a reshuffled offensive line to potential postseason implications, the Seahawks are entering this matchup with momentum, confidence-and a few familiar faces on the other sideline.
Seahawks vs. Panthers: A Tale of Two Trajectories
When Seattle lines up against Carolina on Sunday, they won’t just be facing a team-they’ll be facing a version of what they’ve worked hard not to become. The Panthers have struggled to find consistency this season, while the Seahawks, despite their own adversity, have stayed in the thick of the NFC playoff picture. It’s a contrast that underscores how far Seattle has come in building a more complete, resilient roster.
Josh Jones Likely to Start Again at Left Tackle
With Charles Cross still sidelined, Josh Jones is expected to get the nod at left tackle once again. Jones stepped in admirably during Seattle’s overtime win over the Rams, holding his own against a tough defensive front.
His performance didn’t just steady the line-it kept the offense humming when it mattered most. If he can replicate that effort against Carolina, it’ll go a long way in keeping the Seahawks’ offensive rhythm intact.
DeMarcus Lawrence Delivering on Expectations
DeMarcus Lawrence has been everything the Seahawks hoped for when they signed him in March. In his first season in Seattle, the veteran pass rusher has brought leadership, physicality, and a relentless motor off the edge.
The numbers are solid, but more importantly, Lawrence’s presence has elevated the entire defensive front. He’s not just producing-he’s setting a tone.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Offensive Player of the Year?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is putting together a season that’s hard to ignore. The third-year wideout has already broken single-season franchise records for receptions and receiving yards, and now he’s firmly in the conversation for NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
It’s not just the stats-it’s the timing of his plays. He’s become a go-to option in clutch moments and a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
If he keeps this pace, that award might be more than just talk.
Sam Darnold’s Full-Circle Moment
Quarterback Sam Darnold will face a familiar opponent this weekend in the Panthers, a team that once served as a critical stop in his NFL journey. While his time in Carolina didn’t produce long-term success, it helped shape the version of Darnold we’re seeing now: poised, confident, and playing at a Pro Bowl level. His evolution has been one of the more compelling storylines in Seattle’s 2025 campaign, and Sunday offers a chance to close a chapter while continuing to write a new one.
Mike Jackson Embracing His Role in Carolina
On the flip side, former Seahawk Mike Jackson is settling in nicely with the Panthers. Once a fringe starter in Seattle, Jackson has found a more prominent role in Carolina’s secondary, playing Robin to Jaycee Horn’s Batman. He’s made it clear that he’s using this game as a statement opportunity-and you can bet he’ll be fired up to face his old squad.
NFC Playoff Picture: Seattle in Control
Seattle currently sits atop both the NFC West and the NFC standings, and while Week 18’s showdown with the 49ers looms large, there’s a chance the Seahawks could lock up the division-and potentially the No. 1 seed-a week early. The path isn’t entirely in their hands, but with the right combination of results, Seattle could be in position to rest starters in the finale. It’s a scenario few saw coming earlier this season, but one that now feels well within reach.
Around the NFC West
Elsewhere in the division, the Cardinals continue to inch toward the No. 1 overall pick, while 49ers tackle Trent Williams has dismissed retirement rumors, signaling he’s not done yet. For Seattle, that means the NFC West isn’t going to get any easier moving forward-but right now, the Seahawks are the ones setting the pace.
As the Seahawks head into Sunday’s matchup, they do so with a clear identity, a rising star at wide receiver, and a defense that’s rounding into form. The Panthers may be looking to play spoiler, but Seattle has bigger things on its mind-like playoff seeding, individual accolades, and proving they belong among the NFC’s elite.
Strap in. December football is here, and the Seahawks are very much in the thick of it.