Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have been stingy allowing points to opponents with ferocious defensive lines, underrated linebackers, and versatile secondaries. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?

While the Seahawks won’t be quite at full strength in the secondary for Sunday night’s clash with the Commanders, Mike Macdonald will have to navigate a potentially tricky situation with two of the team’s best weapons playing together for the first time since Week 1.

Boasting a top-five offense and top-six defense, the Seahawks stack up favorably with the best of the best, at least on paper, after seven games. But to be viewed as a true contender that can stay atop a competitive NFC West, several areas must be shored up in the second half.

Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.

Prior to the season, Mike Macdonald lauded the Seahawks depth at cornerback and safety. But as the injuries continue to pile up, that depth will be further challenged against an upstart Jaguars squad on Sunday.

Losing a shootout to the Buccaneers last week, the Seahawks have already been burned by one of Liam Coen’s former proteges under center. Now, with a banged-up secondary, they’ll be tasked to stop history from repeating itself against Trevor Lawrence.

With the Seahawks and Buccaneers both dealing with several significant injuries, banged up secondaries will be challenged by talented receivers and the onus will fall on both defensive lines to set the tone rushing Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield as an equalizer.

Minus Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks could face a major challenge against a talented Bucs receiving corps. How do Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe, and company stack up against Emeka Egbuka and Tampa's wideouts?

Maximizing on their opportunities to acquire and develop talent through multiple avenues, the Seahawks’ embracing of the 70-man roster paid major dividends in back-to-back wins, and such depth could be a key in taking the next step back towards contender status.

Putting it together in all three phases to the delight of the hometown crowd, the Seahawks enjoyed one of their most lopsided victories at Lumen Field against the Saints on Sunday. Who shined brightest in the 31-point domination?

Scoring on every one of their offensive possessions with a perfect 4-for-4 showing in the red zone while dominating on special teams, the Seahawks turned their Week 3 home contest against the Saints into a laugher in no time.

While both teams enter Week 3 battling injuries at key position groups that could dictate who wins Sunday, slowing down the Saints’ still elusive, dynamic running back stands atop the goals for the Seahawks.

Along with getting their run game going behind their speedy playmaker Ken Walker III, the Seahawks received significant contributions from their No. 1 receiver and a host of talents on defense in a win over the Steelers.

The Seattle Seahawks bounced back from a week one loss to take a game on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. What were the five key moments that led to the Hawks’ victory?

Despite producing 100-plus yards of offense more than their opponent, the Seahawks shot themselves in the foot several times during an ugly first half against the Steelers, going into intermission trailing thanks to a litany of miscues on offense and special teams.

Prioritizing talent cut loose by other NFC West rivals, the Seahawks further bolstered the depth on their defense off the waiver wire both on the 53-man roster and the practice squad.

Plucking a former starter off waivers from an NFC West rival, the Seahawks made a curious move bringing Derion Kendrick on board with obvious questions about how the team may plan to use him.