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.

The Seahawks could have some significant advantages in the trenches against the Commanders on Sunday night, but the return of one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual threat quarterbacks creates an even bigger issue for Mike Macdonald to scheme around.

Only four teams have scored more points per game than the Seahawks through eight weeks of the 2025 NFL season, and they have managed to do that with a key element of their offense still waiting to bloom.

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.

Ranking fifth in points per game, the Seahawks have eclipsed expectations amid a 5-2 start to the 2025 season thanks to Sam Darnold’s brilliance and an improving offensive line, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement heading into the bye week.

Pitting two of the NFL’s fiercest defenses against each other in prime time, the Seahawks hope to find a kink in the Texans’ armor and heat up C.J. Stroud, while the visitors intend to make life tough on Sam Darnold with a vicious edge rush and ball hawking defenders on the back end.

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.

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.

Yielding field goals on the first two drives and failing to score on three promising possessions of their own, the Seahawks fell behind two scores to the Buccaneers in Sunday’s Week 5 clash, but a late score may have turned the tide back in the home team’s favor before intermission.

Rushing for over 150 yards against the Cardinals in Week 4, Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks believe their run game has turned the corner. But matched against Todd Bowles’ hyper-aggressive defense, that confidence will be put to the ultimate test on Sunday.

Putting a discouraging season opener behind them, the Seahawks have averaged north of 30 points per game on offense in back-to-back wins over the Steelers and Saints. What have we learned about Klint Kubiak’s group in the first three weeks?

Leading to 30 points with their efforts, special teams told the story as the Seahawks blew out the Saints for a much-needed home victory.

Success on their own turf has been hard to come by for much of the Mike Macdonald era, but on Sunday, the culture the coach and his staff continue to build with the Seahawks manifested into one of the most dominant performances in their 50-year history.

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.

Seahawks reporter Corbin Smith dishes out his weekly keys to victory for Seattle, including slowing down No. 41 out of the backfield and staying aggressive offensively in the red zone.

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.

Controlling the game in the trenches on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks took control in the second half against the Steelers to land their first win of the season. Who stood out the most for Mike Macdonald’s squad in Pittsburgh?

After coming up short on several crucial plays against the 49ers in Week 1, the Seahawks turned the page and delivered in clutch moments in all three phases on Sunday to hand the Steelers a home defeat, receiving a bit of luck along the way.

Amid a comedy of errors orchestrated by both teams, the Seahawks ultimately got the last laugh with a rare touchdown scored on kick coverage, fueling a 31-17 comeback victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

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?