The Seattle Seahawks are suddenly in a far better spot than they were a week ago.
After taking down the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, Seattle got a major boost in ESPN’s latest forecast, which now gives the Seahawks a 70% chance to make the playoffs and an 8% chance to win the NFC West heading into Week 8.
That outlook fits where the Seahawks sit right now. At 4-3, they are No. 2 in the NFC West and No. 8 in the NFC playoff picture, just outside the conference’s seven-team field. A win this week could push them up the board and tighten their grip on a postseason spot.
The division race still runs through San Francisco for now. The 49ers are 6-1 and lead the NFC West after taking their first loss of the season in Week 7. Seattle trails them, with the Los Angeles Rams at 3-4 and the Arizona Cardinals bringing up the rear at 2-5.
Sam Darnold helped make the Week 7 win feel like more than just another result. He threw for 257 yards and a touchdown against Kansas City, giving Seattle a lift at the right time.
There’s also more coming into focus for the Seahawks’ offense. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s historic streak and the arrival of superstar guard Quenton Nelson via trade are both expected to give Seattle a stronger attack moving forward.
Now the Seahawks turn to the Chicago Bears in Week 8, with a chance to turn a promising forecast into a real climb in the standings.
In Other News...
Seahawks Backfield Suddenly Has A Monday Night Twist Fans Need To See
Jadarian Prices return from injured reserve gave the Seahawks backfield a fresh wrinkle on Monday night, and the latest injury report suggests he may be ready to factor into the game plan right away. Seattle listed Price as a full participant in practice, and coach Mike Macdonald said he could play in the upcoming game, a notable development for a group that has been managing its health as the week unfolds.
The bigger question now is what the backfield looks like around him. Zach Charbonnet, who had previously been a full participant, was limited this time and his status is less certain, while other key Seahawks names such as Charles Cross, Rashid Shaheed and Uchenna Nwosu were out of practice altogether. On the brighter side, Leonard Williams and Drake Thomas moved up to full participation, giving Seattle a little more stability elsewhere as it sorts through the final injury picture. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Line Problem Before Bears Matchup
The Seahawks are heading into their matchup with the Bears with some real uncertainty on the edges, and the injury report has not been kind this week. Starting left tackle Charles Cross and edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu both missed practice on Thursday and Friday, leaving Seattle to sort through protection and pass-rush questions at a time when both matter plenty.
There was at least one encouraging sign in Leonard Williams, who returned to full practice after dealing with an Achilles injury, but the rest of the front still looks unsettled. Byron Murphy and Brandon Pili were limited or out with back injuries, Rashid Shaheed sat out practice, and rookie running back Jadarian Price was back in full participation after his stint on injured reserve, while linebacker Drake Thomas also got through a full session after an ankle issue. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Trade Deadline Plans May Hinge On One McVay Reality
As the trade deadline approaches, the Rams are weighing more than just outside help. Sean McVay said the team is hoping to get key injured players back within about a month, and he made it clear that any trade conversations will be shaped by how those recovery timelines unfold. For a division-race team, that kind of uncertainty can matter just as much as what is available on the market.
The ripple effect reaches Seattle, where Byron Murphy II has been drawing steady praise for the way he has adapted and impacted the defense this season. Coaches have highlighted his versatility, while teammates have already started talking about a long-term extension as the kind of move the Seahawks should consider. In a division where every roster decision gets measured against the next matchup, Murphys rise is becoming part of the bigger picture. [Read more 🡒]