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?

Named a captain alongside current - and former - teammate Cooper Kupp, Ernest Jones will be in uniform for the Seahawks heading into a massive NFC West matchup with the Rams. Who’s in and who’s out at SoFi Stadium for Mike Macdonald’s team?

For the first time this season, the Seahawks will have to navigate a significant injury along the offensive line, while it remains unclear whether Ernest Jones and other injured players will return for a crucial contest against the Rams on Sunday.

Closer to full strength in the secondary, the Seahawks will be challenged by Jayden Daniels’ mobility, while the chance to awaken an inconsistent run game may present itself for the visitors in prime time against a Commanders defense that has endured plenty of struggles thus far.

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.

Turnovers and dropped interceptions kept a game that appeared to be teetering towards a blowout close on Monday Night Football, but the Seahawks found a way to close out a pesky Texans squad and keep pace in the NFC West heading into their bye week.

In an otherwise sleep-inducing punt fest, the Seahawks received just enough explosives from Sam Darnold and the offense coupled with a feisty pass rush to fend off the Jaguars for a satisfying eight-point road victory.

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.

Winding up on the wrong end of a shootout on Sunday, the Seahawks allowed nearly 400 passing yards to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, leaving Mike Macdonald searching for answers. Looking at 10 explosive pass plays allowed, what went wrong defensively?

Despite over 340 passing yards and four touchdowns from Sam Darnold, one lone mistake from the quarterback cost the Seahawks in a tight, high-scoring affair as the Buccaneers escaped with a 38-35 win at Lumen Field.

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.

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.

Beyond on-field production, Mike Macdonald has his type when it comes to mindset and attitude on defense. Coming to town as a waiver wire pickup, it didn’t take long to know Josh Jobe fit that type, and his results in a Seahawks uniform speak for themselves.

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.

Meeting up in a rare matchup in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks will have sights on their first win in 2025 while the Steelers look to stay unbeaten early in the rugged AFC North. Which matchups will dictate who lands a Week 2 victory?