The Seattle Seahawks finished a dominant 14-3 regular season, clinching the NFC West and the No. 1 seed with home-field advantage through the playoffs. Seattle scored 483 points while allowing just 292 for a +191 point differential, the best in the NFC. They wrapped up the year with a seven-game win streak, including a 27-10 victory over Carolina on December 28, where the defense held the Panthers to 139 total yards and 10 first downs.
With the bye, Seattle rests while the Wild Card round plays out January 10-12. They’ll host the lowest-remaining seed (highest seed number) in the divisional round the weekend of January 17-18 at Lumen Field. The NFC Wild Card matchups:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at No. 4 Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at No. 2 Chicago Bears
- No. 6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles
Here’s a deeper look at the four possible opponents, ranked from most to least desirable for Seahawks fans. Based on records, point differentials, head-to-head results, advanced metrics like DVOA (where Seattle ranks No. 1 overall at 41.2%), and current betting lines.
1. Carolina Panthers (No. 4 seed): The Ideal Matchup
For Carolina to reach Seattle, they need to upset the Rams at home on Saturday. Oddsmakers have the Rams as 10-point favorites, reflecting the talent gap.
The Panthers finished 8-9 with a -69 point differential (311 points scored, 380 allowed), one of the worst for a division winner in recent history. Their offense averaged just 18.3 points per game (27th in the league). Seattle dominated them 27-10 in Week 17, limiting Carolina to 139 yards and forcing a 1-for-11 third-down rate.
Advanced stats back this up: Carolina ranks near the bottom in most efficiency metrics. This would be the easiest path, giving Seattle a momentum-building win before tougher tests. Root for the home underdog upset.
2. Green Bay Packers (No. 7 seed): Still Highly Favorable
Green Bay gets to Seattle only with a road upset over Chicago and wins by both the Rams and 49ers (eliminating seeds 4 and 6).
The Packers went 9-7-1, inconsistent on the road with a tie marring their record. Jordan Love is dangerous with his arm and legs, but Green Bay struggles against elite fronts like Seattle’s (top-3 run defense in recent weeks). No direct head-to-head this year, but the Hawks have handled similar mobile-QB offenses well.
Betting lines have Chicago as the slight favorites. This scenario needs multiple upsets, but if it happens, it’s a solid matchup for Seattle at home.
3. San Francisco 49ers (No. 6 seed): Tough Divisional Rematch
The 49ers reach Seattle if they beat Philadelphia and the Rams-Panthers winner advances.
Seattle knows them well, splitting the season series but winning the latest 13-3 in Week 18 (holding San Francisco to minimal offense). Brock Purdy is efficient, Christian McCaffrey is a threat when healthy, and Kyle Shanahan schemes creatively. Their defense generates pressure despite injuries.
Divisional playoff games are physical battles with no surprises. Seattle holds the edge on paper (+191 differential vs. San Francisco’s solid but lower marks), but it’d be exhausting. Hope Philadelphia’s pass rush dominates.
4. Los Angeles Rams (No. 5 seed): The Toughest Draw
If the Rams beat Carolina (heavily favored) and the favorites win elsewhere, the No. 5 Rams come to Seattle.
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams power a top-5 explosive offense lately. Their defense ranks in the top 10 in points allowed in the second half. Sean McVay excels in January.
Seattle won one meeting this year, but the Rams are surging with superior depth in advanced metrics (No. 2 DVOA at 39.9%). This could be a high-scoring test of Seattle’s secondary. Avoid if possible: cheer loudly for Carolina.
Seattle is built to dominate anyone at home: No. 1 DVOA defense, balanced scoring, and Lumen Field’s crowd advantage. They’re Super Bowl favorites for good reason. An early softer opponent like Carolina or Green Bay smooths the road.
Wild Card weekend starts Saturday: tune in and hope for the right results.
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