The Seattle Seahawks’ 2024 season has been full of highs and lows, but their playoff hopes remain alive after a pivotal 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. After a disheartening 1-5 stretch during weeks 4-8, the Seahawks entered their Week 10 BYE week at 4-5, grappling with the possibility of missing another postseason. However, renewed focus and key adjustments paid off in their Week 11 win, as they overcame a division rival to keep their playoff hopes alive. For a team that missed the playoffs last season and who fell to the 49ers in the 2022 Wild Card round, this win could be the turning point that they desperately need. But what do the Seahawks need to do moving forward to reach the postseason? Let’s take a look at their path ahead.
A Look at the Seahawks Path to the Playoffs in 2025
As we head into Week 12 of the 2024 NFL Season, the Seahawks currently sit one game behind first place in the NFC West, which is currently held by the Arizona Cardinals. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle are all close behind, with tied records of 5-5. The Rams hold the edge over the Seahawks following their Week 9 victory, while the Seahawks gained the upper hand against the 49ers with last week’s win.
NFC West rankings:
- Arizona Cardinals 6-4 .600
- Los Angeles Rams 5-5 .500
- Seattle Seahawks 5-5 .500
- San Francisco 49ers 5-5 .500
So, what does the Seahawks’ current path to the playoffs look like? If the Seahawks want to keep their playoff hopes intact, it’s going to be a tough path to get there. They still have three divisional games remaining and six out of seven games remaining are against conference opponents. The Seahawks also have yet to play the three teams in the NFC North.
Seahawks Remaining Schedule
Week 12 vs. Cardinals
The most critical games remaining for Seattle are their two matchups against the Cardinals. After a slow start to the season, the Cardinals have been getting comfortable and remain the Seahawks’ biggest threat. The Seahawks will be riding high on momentum after beating the 49ers in Santa Clara last week, but that doesn’t necessarily make their next task any easier. The Cardinals have yet to lose to the NFC West this season and are going to be coming off a BYE well-rested and well-prepared. If the Seahawks win in Week 12, both Seattle and Arizona will be sitting at 6-5. If the Seahawks lose, they will be pushed back to two games behind first place.
Week 13 at Jets
The Jets are imploding as we speak. They fired head coach Robert Saleh a few weeks ago and just fired general manager Joe Douglas this week. Despite having plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, the Jets haven’t been able to find any success this season. Not even a healthy Aaron Rodgers has been able to turn things around. His current passer rating of 86.8 and 6.4 yards per attempt are the lowest of his career. Adding to the struggles, Rodgers has yet to throw for 300 yards in a game this season and has already racked up seven interceptions in 10 games (he never threw more than eight in a single season from 2011-2021).
While winning on the road is tough, it would be an embarrassment if the Seahawks lost this game. They need any win they can get to propel them toward the playoffs.
Week 14 at Cardinals
The last time the Seahawks lost a road game in Arizona was in 2020. The last time the Cardinals beat the Seahawks was in 2021. However, playing in Arizona has never been easy for Seattle, and this year, the Cardinals are looking like a true contender for the NFC title.
Week 15 vs. Packers
The NFC North has been a highly competitive division this season. The Lions, Packers, and Vikings are all fighting to take first place, and the Bears are fighting to survive. The Lions were a formidable challenge for the Seahawks in Week 14, beating Seattle 42-29. They handed the Seahawks their first loss of the season and essentially sent them on a steep decline. The Seahawks will look to redeem themselves against Green Bay by proving that they can keep up with some of the best teams in the league.
Before they face the Packers in Week 15, the Seahawks desperately need the Packers to beat the 49ers in Week 12.
Week 16 vs. Vikings
The Vikings have looked like an incredibly strong team this season and only sit one game behind the Lions in the division. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has said it will be important for Minnesota to play good football through and through as the season’s end draws near. The same goes for Seattle. They will be playing three teams already in the NFC playoff picture (Cardinals, Packers, and Vikings), as well as three teams who are fighting for a wild card spot (Rams, 49ers, Bears).
Week 17 at Bears
The Chicago Bears are still a bit of a mystery. They started the season 4-2 and have gone 0-4 since. The offense has been elevated at times after drafting quarterback Caleb Williams, but the coaching staff has held the team back significantly. The Bears recently fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who happened to be the Seahawks’ OC (2021-2023) before he was hired by Chicago this offseason, and the chances they fire head coach Matt Eberflus are high.
While the Bears will have home-field advantage, the Seahawks will have the advantage otherwise. Well, depending on how weeks 12-15 go. However, with how things are changing in Seattle, it’s hard to imagine the Seahawks losing this game.
Week 18 at Rams
The Seahawks have already dropped one game to the Rams this season; a game that was decided by one score (26-20). This final matchup of the regular season could very well decide the Seahawks’ postseason fate. A win could send either team into the playoffs. The Rams have beaten Seattle in their last three matchups, while most games have remained close. The changes the Seahawks have made on defense in recent weeks could play a significant role in Week 18.
Main Image: David Gonzales – USA Today Sports
