The Seahawks’ place in the national power rankings took a hard hit after their double-digit loss to the Chicago Bears, and the drop was enough to push Seattle out of the top 10 on most of the major lists.
Among the five outlets polled - NFL.com, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, Pro Football Talk, and ESPN - CBS Sports and Bleacher Report were the toughest on Seattle. CBS moved the Seahawks from No. 8 to No. 14 and said Sam Darnold “just doesn’t look right”.
Bleacher Report slid Seattle from No. 7 to No. 13, pointing to the team’s 4-4 record as a fair reflection of how the season has gone so far. B/R also said the win over the Kansas City Chiefs “appears to be an aberration.”
Pro Football Talk was less severe, dropping Seattle just two spots from No. 7 to No. 9.
PFT noted that the Seahawks, or the Los Angeles Rams, may not end up in the playoffs this season. ESPN also moved Seattle down, from No. 5 to No. 8, and used its rankings to discuss the biggest trade acquisition teams have ever made, selecting Marshawn Lynch for Seattle.
NFL.com had the Seahawks highest of the group, ranking them No. 7 despite a three-spot fall from last week. That ranking came with a warning sign as well, with NFL.com noting that offensive coordinator Brian Fleury may be on a job watch after the offense’s showing against the Bears.
The broader picture is not flattering for Seattle. The team has now lost three of its last four games, and this week’s rankings seem to reflect more than just one bad afternoon against Chicago. The offense remains a concern, and if that doesn’t change, the path to a playoff run looks shaky.
The average ranking across the five sites dropped from 5.8 entering Week 8 to 10.2 entering Week 9. Seattle gets a chance to steady things next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
In Other News...
Seahawks Suddenly Face Another O-Line Problem Before Cardinals Showdown
The Seahawks offensive line got a little more complicated Thursday, when Quenton Nelson showed up on the injury report with a knee issue and did not practice ahead of Sundays Week 9 meeting with the Cardinals. Seattle was already juggling a long list of absences, with nine players sitting out, including six starters such as quarterback Sam Darnold and left tackle Charles Cross, leaving the front line with more uncertainty than it wanted heading into a division game.
If Nelson cant go, the ripple effect could be significant for Seattles interior alignment. Anthony Bradford could slide back into his usual spot at right guard, which would open the door for rookie Grey Zabel to move back to left guard and restore a setup the Seahawks may prefer if the lineup cooperates. For a team already dealing with enough moving parts, the next practice report will matter a lot. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Drew Lock Problem They Cant Ignore
Sam Darnolds quad injury has opened the door for Drew Lock to get another look in Seattle, and the timing is awkward in more ways than one. Lock is expected to be the option in Week 9, which gives the Seahawks a chance to see what he can do in a meaningful stretch, but it also comes with the reminder that his own elbow issue could complicate how long that chance lasts.
Even if Lock gives Seattle a lift in the short term, the bigger picture around the quarterback room is not suddenly changing. Darnold is under contract through 2027, while Lock is heading toward free agency next season and could be looking for a fresh opportunity elsewhere, which leaves the Seahawks with a familiar kind of uncertainty even as they navigate the immediate one. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Could Be Headed For Another Deadline Move After Offensive Issues
The Seahawks already made one notable swing before the NFL trade deadline, landing guard Quenton Nelson from the Colts, but the move may not be the last one they make to try to steady an offense that has shown some cracks. After a recent loss, Seattle is looking at other ways to add help, and the tight end spot has emerged as a possible area to address if the front office decides the group needs another boost.
Among the names being discussed are Detroits Sam LaPorta, Philadelphias Dallas Goedert, and tight ends from the Colts and Chargers, giving Seattle a range of options if it chooses to keep shopping. The question now is whether the Seahawks are content with one major addition or whether the deadline still has another move in store as they try to sharpen the offense for the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]