With the release of each NFL team’s upcoming schedule for the 2024 season comes predictions galore on how each team’s season will shape up. Of course, the Seattle Seahawks are enduring these same predictions and analyses of their season.
Seattle is coming off two back-to-back 9-8 seasons led by its previous head coach, Pete Carroll. Under Carroll’s 13-year tutelage, the Seahawks went from a Super Bowl Championship in 2013 to a near .500 record in his final years.
However, Carroll has departed from the program, and incoming head coach Mike Macdonald is taking over. In recent history, Macdonald has been the defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan, followed by the Baltimore Ravens.
Through analyzing Seattle’s upcoming schedule, as well as recognizing what its opponents bring to the table, it’s reasonable to predict the Seahawks will boast a similar record of 9-8 this season, with major room to grow in following seasons under the new staff.
Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos
Prediction: Win
Hosting the Broncos in their opening game of the season, the Seahawks have more consistency in their roster than Denver does. The Broncos have three quarterbacks all fighting for the starting spot, a problem that will likely not be resolved by opening weekend. That being said, it’s probable that Seattle’s offense, led by a consistent figure in Geno Smith, will outlast Denver.
Week 2: at New England Patriots
Prediction: Win
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said himself that 3rd overall pick in the NFL draft and incoming quarterback Drake Maye has ‘a lot to work on,’ and it’s fair to expect that work won’t be solidified by Week 2 against Seattle. While New England will have the home team advantage, that likely won’t be enough to overcome the Seahawks.
Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins
Prediction: Loss
This difficult matchup will likely bring Seattle its first loss of the season. Miami is coming off a solid 11-6 record in its 2023 season, with head coach Mike McDaniel leading them to that successful record. The Dolphins are showing no signs of slowing down, and that momentum isn’t expected to halt when Miami arrives in Seattle.
Week 4: at Detroit Lions
Prediction: Loss
The Lions exceeded expectations last season, winning the NFC North Conference and boasting one of the best records in their history. With an offense driven by Jared Goff and a defense led by Aidan Hutchinson, the Seahawks have their work cut out for them against the Lions and will likely fall flat.
Week 5: vs. New York Giants
Prediction: Win
The Giants are coming off of a poor 6-11 season and did not pick up many game-changers in the NFL Draft. Their first-round pick went to LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, and while he will likely play a role in the New York roster, it won’t be enough to beat Seattle, especially at home.
Week 6: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Prediction: Loss
San Fransisco was an absolute powerhouse last season, quarterbacked by underdog Brock Purdy and ultimately winning the NFC Championship. The 49ers are expected to be just as good this season and will beat the Seahawks in Week 6.
Week 7: at Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: Loss
The Falcons made an interesting move in drafting rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after signing veteran Kirk Cousins to the same position. With Cousins leading the Atlanta offense, a group looking to be lethal this season, the Falcons will decidedly defeat Seattle.
Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills
Prediction: Loss
The Bills led the AFC East in 2023, and with an offense quarterbacked by Josh Allen, Buffalo will get past the Seahawks’ defense while also defeating Seattle in the quarterback battle between Allen and Smith.
Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Prediction: Win
In the last three years, the Seahawks have been 2-4 against Los Angeles, and the Rams have a solid offense led by Matthew Stafford. The Seahawks and Los Angeles will compete twice, and Seattle will likely win the first game, hoping to get a step closer to leveling its record against the Rams.
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: at San Francisco 49ers
Prediction: Loss
This will be the second matchup between the Seahawks and the 49ers of the season, and it’s fair to expect the same results out of this game as the first. San Francisco is a powerhouse, and with five weeks between the games, they could become an even stronger opponent.
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: Win
In the last five years, Seattle is 7-3 against Arizona. The Cardinals aren’t expected to have a strong season, so it is reasonable to predict the Seahawks clinching the victory and extending their win streak against Arizona to six.
Week 13: at New York Jets
Prediction: Win
The trajectory of the Jets’ season is held entirely on Aaron Rodgers and his health. While he says he’s ready to lead this team once again, reliance on one player is never the answer, and Seattle can take advantage of that.
Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: Win
With the Cardinals sandwiching the Jets in the Seahawks’ schedule, there isn’t much time for extreme changes in Arizona or Seattle’s games. As a result, the Seahawks can expect to sweep the Cardinals in the 2024 season.
Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers
Prediction: Loss
Seattle and Green Bay haven’t competed since 2021 when the Packers shut out the Seahawks 17-0. While that decisive victory for Green Bay came at the hands of different rosters, Packers quarterback Jordan Love holds a slight advantage to Smith.
Week 16: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: Win
Minnesota picked up a dime in University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but his inconsistency and predictability will make his rookie NFL year difficult. Additionally, Seattle coach Macdonald knows McCarthy’s game from his time as a Wolverine. With a specialty in defense, he can lead the Seahawks to lock down McCarthy and clinch their eighth win of the season.
Week 17: at Chicago Bears
Prediction: Win
The Bears received two first-round draft picks, No. 1 Caleb Williams and No. 9 Rome Odunze. While Chicago relies on Williams to lead the team to victory, the Bears still have a lot of work to do. Macdonald’s defensive experience will help them cut off Williams and aid Seattle in a win on the road.
Week 18: at Los Angeles Rams
Prediction: Loss
The last regular season game for the Seahawks lands in Los Angeles, nine weeks after their first matchup. Although Seattle is predicted to win the first of the series, the Rams, with home-field advantage, will take the second.
This is all to say that the Seahawks will end with a three-peat of their 9-8 record. But the important thing here is that under Macdonald’s coaching, Seattle can become a force in its conference — it just needs some time. Macdonald will strengthen the defense with his background and utilize his staff to help Smith and the offense progress. Growing pains are normal, and after a year under Macdonald, the Seahawks may be able to turn their program around.
