For the first time ever, the Seahawks return to play as
DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS. Boy does
that sound good to say. The Seahawks
open their season with tough opponents and finish with tough opponents, with a
relatively easy middle part of their schedule.
How do I see them doing in each game?
Let's find out. I'll go game by
game, predicting the score for each contest.
Let's get to it!
Week 1 - Vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 24-21
Hawks Record: 1-0
Opening night of the season, the Hawks fall behind early due to jitters and excitement and trail at the half 14-10. But in the 2nd half the defense steps up and the Seahawks score two unanswered touchdowns to make it 24-14. The Packers score in the 4th to make it close, and they are able to get the ball back, but the D stops them. Should be close and hard fought, I don't see them possibly scoring more than the combined 45 points I predicted.
Week 2 - At San Diego Chargers: Win, 28-13
Hawks Record: 2-0
San Diego was a playoff team a year ago, so this won't be too easy of a contest... you'd think. But Philip Rivers will struggle against the LoB, not having seen them at their current playing ability. Expect the D to make some big plays (turnovers, sacks) and the offense to only be ordinary at best in this one, which should be plenty enough.
Week 3 - Vs. Denver Broncos: Win, 31-24
Hawks Record: 3-0
In the rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Hawks again get the upper hand and win. Peyton Manning will struggle at first with the noise but will eventually settle down. Broncos will get stopped on a last minute try to tie the game.
Week 5 - At Washington Redskins: Win, 28-10
Hawks Record: 4-0
The Seahawks are even better than the 2012 team that made the playoffs, but the same cannot be said for the team from Washington. Predicting easy wins on the first two road games is risky, I'll admit, but the team will be well rested after a Bye Week and should be hungry in this one to keep things going.
Week 6 - Vs. Dallas Cowboys: Win, 34-16
Hawks Record: 5-0
Tony Romo has nightmares about Century Link Field. I don't think he's ever won in Seattle, and that won't change. This should be similar to the 2012 home opener in which the Hawks won handily. This should also be one of the offense's better games of the season.
Week 7 - At St. Louis Rams: Loss, 20-19
Hawks Record: 5-1
Hard to do... but I can't see the Hawks going perfect. And I see the Rams as a much improved team. Should be close and hard fought, but the Hawks haven't done too well in recent years in St. Louis. If the Rams don't improve much in 2014 then I wouldn't be surprised if this was a win. But I think the Hawks may underestimate them.
Week 8 - At Carolina Panthers: Win, 10-7
Hawks Record: 6-1
How come the Seahawks have had to play IN Carolina for THREE straight years? I'd understand two years in a row, but THREE? That should not be allowed. But no matter, the Hawks should win a defensive bruiser of a contest, with both QB's not getting to 200 yards passing.
Week 9 - Vs. Oakland Raiders: Win, 34-9
Hawks Record: 7-1
A part of me thinks the Raiders will be an improved team, but even so, this is a game everyone circles as a win in their predictions. A loss to the Raiders at home would be inexcusable. Matt Schaub will have flashbacks to last season when he through a game-blowing pick to Richard Sherman, and so he'll likely throw a couple INT's here.
Week 10 - Vs. New York Giants: Win, 24-15
Hawks Record: 8-1
Whenever I pick the Giants to do poorly, they do well, and whenever I pick them to do well, they do poorly, so I give up. Regardless, Eli Manning's never had much success in Seattle, and while this may be a closer contest than what we'd like, it should still be a relatively easy win.
Week 11 - At Kansas City Chiefs: Loss, 28-20
Hawks Record: 8-2
Funny thing is, I don't see the Chiefs being as good as last year. But the Hawks, having played in their seventh straight game without an off week at a stadium that's always hard for the visitors, I think, will struggle. Jamaal Charles might have a big game. If he does, and Alex Smith takes care of the football, this will be a tough game to win. It's not too bad losing to a team on the road when they're in the other conference, because that doesn't factor into tiebreakers.
Week 12 - Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win, 19-17
Hawks Record: 9-2
Two years ago in Seattle, the Hawks thwomped the Cardinals 58-0. Last year, the Cardinals got their revenge and stole a win from the Hawks in Seattle, the first home loss in quite some time. This time around, the Hawks are the ones getting revenge in what should be a tight contest again.
Week 13 - At San Francisco 49ers: Win, 21-16
Hawks Record: 10-2
It's about damn time we win in San Francisco. It's not a long flight, their fans aren't particularly loud, and the weather never plays a factor. Since this game is being played in the newly constructed Levi's Stadium, the Hawks might think of this as a neutral site game (especially since there WILL be some Hawk fans there) and forget that it's a road game. The Hawks know this is one of the most important games on their schedule, and their failure to win in San Francisco should fuel their desire for this win. Hawks in an upset.
Week 14 - At Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 28-20.
Hawks Record: 10-3
The Eagles are more than likely the best team in the NFC East, and while I see this game going either way, I think the banged up Hawks (from the Niner game) struggle to contain Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. This game would have some playoff implications, but it's not the end of the world if the Hawks lose. With two road contests in a row against NFC playoff teams from a year ago, the Hawks would probably be ok with going 1-1 in these contests.
Week 15 - Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win, 27-13
Hawks Record: 11-3
The 49ers will be seeking revenge yet shall find none. Colin Kaepernick (if he's healthy) will struggle and the Hawks will put themselves in great position with this win. I expect it to be a close game for the most part, with the Hawks pulling away with a late score to make it a two-score game.
Week 16 - At Arizona Cardinals: Win, 24-14
Hawks Record: 12-3
Last season, the Hawks had a pretty resounding win against the Cardinals in Arizona, and I see a similar result here. For the 2nd straight year at the end of the season, the Hawks play at the site of the upcoming Super Bowl, and like last year, they will win. They'll look at this game as a Super Bowl dress rehearsal.
Week 17 - vs. St. Louis Rams: Loss, 19-17
Hawks Record: 12-4
In their defense, I'm predicting the Hawks to not have to win this game to secure a playoff spot. Sure, they'll give the Rams a good effort, but without 100% effort, expect the hungry Rams to take advantage. They haven't won in Seattle in quite some time, and that's due to change. But don't worry Hawk fans, this game won't matter to the Hawks at all.
Well, that's it. What? No post-season? Of course the Seahawks make the post-season. They're way too talented to miss them. But guess what? You're going to have to wait until part 3 of my NFL Predictions to see how they do in the playoffs. Sorry! Don't want to spoil too much. I'll give you a sneak peak. The first game the Hawks will play will be against...
THE RAMS.
"WHAT?!"
That's right. The Rams.
"So if the Rams make the playoffs, does that mean the 49ers miss them?"
You're going to have to wait and see.
Update:
Here is who I think will lead the Seahawks in each of the following categories. Passing and rushing leaders will obviously be Wilson and Lynch, respectively, but what about the other categories?
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Kearse
Sacks: Avril
Tackles: Thomas
Interceptions: Thomas
Week 1 - Vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 24-21
Hawks Record: 1-0
Opening night of the season, the Hawks fall behind early due to jitters and excitement and trail at the half 14-10. But in the 2nd half the defense steps up and the Seahawks score two unanswered touchdowns to make it 24-14. The Packers score in the 4th to make it close, and they are able to get the ball back, but the D stops them. Should be close and hard fought, I don't see them possibly scoring more than the combined 45 points I predicted.
Week 2 - At San Diego Chargers: Win, 28-13
Hawks Record: 2-0
San Diego was a playoff team a year ago, so this won't be too easy of a contest... you'd think. But Philip Rivers will struggle against the LoB, not having seen them at their current playing ability. Expect the D to make some big plays (turnovers, sacks) and the offense to only be ordinary at best in this one, which should be plenty enough.
Week 3 - Vs. Denver Broncos: Win, 31-24
Hawks Record: 3-0
In the rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Hawks again get the upper hand and win. Peyton Manning will struggle at first with the noise but will eventually settle down. Broncos will get stopped on a last minute try to tie the game.
Week 5 - At Washington Redskins: Win, 28-10
Hawks Record: 4-0
The Seahawks are even better than the 2012 team that made the playoffs, but the same cannot be said for the team from Washington. Predicting easy wins on the first two road games is risky, I'll admit, but the team will be well rested after a Bye Week and should be hungry in this one to keep things going.
Week 6 - Vs. Dallas Cowboys: Win, 34-16
Hawks Record: 5-0
Tony Romo has nightmares about Century Link Field. I don't think he's ever won in Seattle, and that won't change. This should be similar to the 2012 home opener in which the Hawks won handily. This should also be one of the offense's better games of the season.
Week 7 - At St. Louis Rams: Loss, 20-19
Hawks Record: 5-1
Hard to do... but I can't see the Hawks going perfect. And I see the Rams as a much improved team. Should be close and hard fought, but the Hawks haven't done too well in recent years in St. Louis. If the Rams don't improve much in 2014 then I wouldn't be surprised if this was a win. But I think the Hawks may underestimate them.
Week 8 - At Carolina Panthers: Win, 10-7
Hawks Record: 6-1
How come the Seahawks have had to play IN Carolina for THREE straight years? I'd understand two years in a row, but THREE? That should not be allowed. But no matter, the Hawks should win a defensive bruiser of a contest, with both QB's not getting to 200 yards passing.
Week 9 - Vs. Oakland Raiders: Win, 34-9
Hawks Record: 7-1
A part of me thinks the Raiders will be an improved team, but even so, this is a game everyone circles as a win in their predictions. A loss to the Raiders at home would be inexcusable. Matt Schaub will have flashbacks to last season when he through a game-blowing pick to Richard Sherman, and so he'll likely throw a couple INT's here.
Week 10 - Vs. New York Giants: Win, 24-15
Hawks Record: 8-1
Whenever I pick the Giants to do poorly, they do well, and whenever I pick them to do well, they do poorly, so I give up. Regardless, Eli Manning's never had much success in Seattle, and while this may be a closer contest than what we'd like, it should still be a relatively easy win.
Week 11 - At Kansas City Chiefs: Loss, 28-20
Hawks Record: 8-2
Funny thing is, I don't see the Chiefs being as good as last year. But the Hawks, having played in their seventh straight game without an off week at a stadium that's always hard for the visitors, I think, will struggle. Jamaal Charles might have a big game. If he does, and Alex Smith takes care of the football, this will be a tough game to win. It's not too bad losing to a team on the road when they're in the other conference, because that doesn't factor into tiebreakers.
Week 12 - Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win, 19-17
Hawks Record: 9-2
Two years ago in Seattle, the Hawks thwomped the Cardinals 58-0. Last year, the Cardinals got their revenge and stole a win from the Hawks in Seattle, the first home loss in quite some time. This time around, the Hawks are the ones getting revenge in what should be a tight contest again.
Week 13 - At San Francisco 49ers: Win, 21-16
Hawks Record: 10-2
It's about damn time we win in San Francisco. It's not a long flight, their fans aren't particularly loud, and the weather never plays a factor. Since this game is being played in the newly constructed Levi's Stadium, the Hawks might think of this as a neutral site game (especially since there WILL be some Hawk fans there) and forget that it's a road game. The Hawks know this is one of the most important games on their schedule, and their failure to win in San Francisco should fuel their desire for this win. Hawks in an upset.
Week 14 - At Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 28-20.
Hawks Record: 10-3
The Eagles are more than likely the best team in the NFC East, and while I see this game going either way, I think the banged up Hawks (from the Niner game) struggle to contain Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. This game would have some playoff implications, but it's not the end of the world if the Hawks lose. With two road contests in a row against NFC playoff teams from a year ago, the Hawks would probably be ok with going 1-1 in these contests.
Week 15 - Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win, 27-13
Hawks Record: 11-3
The 49ers will be seeking revenge yet shall find none. Colin Kaepernick (if he's healthy) will struggle and the Hawks will put themselves in great position with this win. I expect it to be a close game for the most part, with the Hawks pulling away with a late score to make it a two-score game.
Week 16 - At Arizona Cardinals: Win, 24-14
Hawks Record: 12-3
Last season, the Hawks had a pretty resounding win against the Cardinals in Arizona, and I see a similar result here. For the 2nd straight year at the end of the season, the Hawks play at the site of the upcoming Super Bowl, and like last year, they will win. They'll look at this game as a Super Bowl dress rehearsal.
Week 17 - vs. St. Louis Rams: Loss, 19-17
Hawks Record: 12-4
In their defense, I'm predicting the Hawks to not have to win this game to secure a playoff spot. Sure, they'll give the Rams a good effort, but without 100% effort, expect the hungry Rams to take advantage. They haven't won in Seattle in quite some time, and that's due to change. But don't worry Hawk fans, this game won't matter to the Hawks at all.
Well, that's it. What? No post-season? Of course the Seahawks make the post-season. They're way too talented to miss them. But guess what? You're going to have to wait until part 3 of my NFL Predictions to see how they do in the playoffs. Sorry! Don't want to spoil too much. I'll give you a sneak peak. The first game the Hawks will play will be against...
THE RAMS.
"WHAT?!"
That's right. The Rams.
"So if the Rams make the playoffs, does that mean the 49ers miss them?"
You're going to have to wait and see.
Update:
Here is who I think will lead the Seahawks in each of the following categories. Passing and rushing leaders will obviously be Wilson and Lynch, respectively, but what about the other categories?
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Kearse
Sacks: Avril
Tackles: Thomas
Interceptions: Thomas
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