The Seahawks won a franchise-record 14 games thanks to a budding run game paired with a top-ranked defense and elite special teams corps. But to survive and advance in the postseason, starting on Saturday, they likely will need their quarterback to rise to the moment.

One of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Seahawks’ youth could be viewed as a potential concern going into a win or go home Divisional Round rematch against the 49ers. But a strong core of veterans doesn’t envision that being a problem at an energized Lumen Field.

Keying the franchise’s quick ascent to Super Bowl contender, after a slow start in Klint Kubiak’s offense early in the fall, Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and a rapidly improving offensive line have the Seahawks armed and ready to make noise in January.

Beloved by teammates for always being the same person and player, Sam Darnold never gets too high or too low regardless of what happens. When the Seahawks battle the 49ers on Saturday night, don’t expect anything different even with a division title and a bye on the line.

In Week 1, the Seahawks limited Brock Purdy and the 49ers to just 17 points in a losing effort to open the season. Four months later, with an NFC West title and the No. 1 seed up for grabs, the challenge for Mike Macdonald’s crew will be that much tougher against the hottest offense in the NFL.

It may not be a New Year’s resolution, but Berkly Catton has already made some changes for 2026 with the Seattle Kraken. What is going into that new look the rookie tries to truly stamp his skates in NHL ice?

Bouncing around in his first seven NFL seasons, Sam Darnold’s resurgence over the past two years largely stemmed from battling adversity earlier in his career, including in a pit stop in Charlotte that was a far bigger catalyst in his re-emergence.

With Charles Cross ruled out, the Seahawks will turn to a veteran backup swing tackle who hasn’t started a game in more than two calendar years, instantly becoming one of the biggest storylines with first place in the NFC and NFC West on the line in prime time.

Trying to prepare in lightning quick fashion for a Thursday game already presents major challenges, especially against an offensive mind such as Sean McVay. But a healthy Julian Love adds to a defense well-equipped to handle the opponent in a high-stakes situation.

Despite the Seattle Kraken’s recent 1-7-1 skid, forward Shane Wright has shown some good play, and Emerald City Spectrum spoke with him and others Monday about what the team needs to do to right the ship.

In a plot that reads like a Disney movie more than an NFL game week, the Seahawks have had to dust off film from half a decade ago to prepare for an unexpected opponent under center on Sunday, adding quite the wrinkle to a massive Week 15 home battle.

In the midst of a lengthy slump with turnovers and sacks stacking in bunches, Sam Darnold pivoted to the most underrated part of his game to get back on track as the Seahawks blitzed the Falcons in the second half on Sunday.

Prior to Sunday, Nick Emmanwori had battled a case of the close calls, coming up just short on sacks, interceptions, and blocked field goals. But in Atlanta, his fortunes changed across the board in a once-in-a-lifetime performance for the Seahawks rookie.

Viewed as a linebacker whisperer coming over from Baltimore, Mike Macdonald’s most impressive coaching job lies the middle of the Seahawks’ vaunted defense with long flowing hair and infectious energy as a do-it-all cog in the team’s top-three defense.

Playing arguably his best football in the midst of his 12th season, Demarcus Lawrence has elevated the Seahawks’ defense to another level while oddly enough becoming an unexpected scoring source.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s brilliance has made his accomplishments each week seem almost ordinary. But seeing the artist at work in the Music City put the rising superstar on another pedestal with one record after another falling and the biggest one well within reach.

Josh Naylor, Jerry Dipoto, and Justin Hollander sat down for questions on Tuesday morning about the Mariners’ five-year deal to keep Naylor in Seattle. The conference was a display of confidence for a starving city and team.

Evident again on Sunday with multiple reserves contributing in a 22-point beatdown of the Cardinals, from the starting quarterback to the latest practice squad signing, the Seahawks continue to embody the principles of their coach as they emerge as a top contender.

Giving up a pair of Day 3 picks may have seemed a bit pricey for the Seahawks to acquire a perceived rental in Rashid Shaheed. But while the focus remains on pursuing an NFC West title in the present, both the player and organization have visions of a long-term courtship.

Without a goal since the season opener, Mason Marchment understands he’s expected to produce more in his middle-six winger role with the Kraken, and he’s remaining patient as he continues to adjust to his new team and systems.