Can Sam Darnold Lead Seattle Back to the Super Bowl in 2026?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Assessing Seattle's Prospects: Can They Repeat Last Year's Success?

The looming question for the Seattle Seahawks this season is whether they can replicate their past success and navigate the challenges posed by a tough schedule and critical offseason changes. A critical point of concern is the departure of Clint Kubiak, the former offensive coordinator who played a pivotal role in revitalizing Sam Darnold’s career last season, transforming him from a struggling quarterback to a Super Bowl champion. The impact of his absence on the team's offensive strategy and Darnold's performance remains to be seen.

The Seahawks kick off the season against the New England Patriots, a game many anticipate to be more challenging than expected. The initial games will be crucial, especially in October and November, when the Seahawks face a series of potentially tough matchups including the Chargers, 49ers, Broncos, Chiefs, and Bears. This five-week period could determine their season's trajectory.

Post-bye week challenges include several games against potential playoff contenders such as Philadelphia, the Rams, and Carolina, which could make it difficult for the Seahawks to maintain a winning record towards the end of the season. Despite the high stakes, the Seahawks' performance in their division will be critical. With two projected wins against Arizona, the games against the Rams and the 49ers will be particularly decisive.

This season will truly test if Seattle can overcome the hurdles of a tough division and significant schedule challenges. Observers and fans alike are keen to see if last year's success was an anomaly or the start of a consistent upward trajectory for the team.