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.

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.

The architect of a Super Bowl winner and double-digit playoff teams, John Schneider has done his best work yet calling the shots on his own with the Seahawks in 2025. It’s well past time for him to finally receive his due as the best of the best.

Entering the final month of the season, the Seahawks hope to have a fully healthy Julian Love rolling into the playoffs. But the stellar play from his replacement over the past two months has created quite the luxury for the team as the Pro Bowler eases back into action.

Winners of three straight, the Seahawks benefited from a few other NFC contenders slipping up in Week 14, positioning Mike Macdonald’s squad with a chance to win the NFC West and top seed outright by simply taking care of their own business.

As both a head coach and defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald has consistently tied up rookie quarterbacks into knots over the years. But from a planning perspective, the Seahawks will have a different challenge on Sunday against an undrafted rookie in Max Brosmer.

Now tied for the league lead in turnovers after throwing a quartet of picks in a two-point loss to the Rams, Sam Darnold may find himself under fire for the first time with the Seahawks. But that heat certainly isn’t coming from the locker room.

Neither the Seahawks nor the Rams can win the NFC West or clinch a playoff berth when they meet up at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. But even without such ramifications present, a Week 11 clash between two 7-2 teams may be Seattle’s biggest game in more than a decade.

The Seahawks have yet to fully dip into their bag of tricks when it comes to the talented, yet developing Nick Emmanwori. But if the past month and change has been any indication, even as they pace his progression, he’s already arrived a game-altering presence.

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.

Only six weeks removed from their first encounter in the desert, the Seahawks and Cardinals will see plenty of familiar faces when they meet up again on Sunday. But one significant change has added a new wrinkle for Mike Macdonald and company to tackle in the rematch.

Winning five of their past six games, the Seahawks still remain under the radar for some national outlets. But after their latest win on Monday Night Football, that narrative may be changing as Mike Macdonald’s squad stays in the hunt in a highly competitive NFC West.

A true unknown for Mike Macdonald and the majority of his coaching staff upon arrival, Drake Thomas quickly put his name on the map and in his third season, his hard work coming back from injury has propelled him to unexpected starter status for the Seahawks.

Typically, scoring 35 points in an NFL game leads to victory. But the Seahawks endured an uncharacteristic off day at the wrong time with busted coverages, missed tackles, and an anemic pass rush that left Mike Macdonald seeking answers after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers.

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.

Once one of the most vaunted places to play in the NFL, Lumen Field has lost its luster as a house of horrors with opponents having tons of success against the Seahawks in recent years. What’s behind the struggles and how can Seattle get back on track against New Orleans in Week 3?

Recharged with a strong supporting cast in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks expect to receive Aaron Rodgers’ best when they face the Steelers in Sunday’s road opener with an intriguing chess match looming.

Several red zone stops on defense set the Seahawks up for a big Week 1 win, but when the game was there for the taking, they couldn’t close the deal on either side of the ball as the 49ers escaped with the victory at Lumen Field.

Seattle Seahawks Mike Macdonald chose to kick a field goal on fourth down late in Seattle’s 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Did the head coach make the right call?

The season opener will present a good measuring stick for a new Seahawks offense going against a healthier 49ers squad as both teams seek an early statement win in the NFC West.