Seahawks Earn Top Spot in ESPN’s Power Rankings

Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks helmets during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Seattle won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Fans in Seattle already know that 2013 has the potential to be a memorable season for the Seahawks. However, it looks like the rest of the sports nation is finally hopping on the bandwagon.

ESPN.com’s official power rankings for Week 1 were unveiled on Tuesday afternoon and it listed the Hawks at the top spot in front of the Falcons (No. 2), 49ers (No. 3), Broncos (No. 4) and Packers (No. 5), respectively.

The panel of voters at ESPN include John Clayton, Ashley Fox, Dan Graziano, Jamison Hensley, Mike Sando and Kevin Seifer. They had this to say in regards to the Hawks being No. 1:

"Russell Wilson and a dominant defense get headlines, but Marshawn Lynch and rookie Christine Michael will give the Seahawks balance. It’s Super Bowl or bust in Seattle."

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with ESPN’s panel of experts. NFL.com has the Seahawks at No. 3 behind the 49ers (No. 1) and the Broncos (No. 2). The rankings, also published on Tuesday, said this about the Hawks:

"Everyone is high on the Seahawks; many even slot them in as the best team in the NFL. This space has high regard for Pete Carroll’s club, but not awe. With Chris Clemons being brought back slowly and Bruce Irvin out four games, Seattle remains at No. 3. Of course, change those two items, and Seattle leaps ahead of both San Francisco and Denver."

SB Nation has the Seahawks at No. 2 in their power rankings behind the (sigh) 49ers. The rankings suggest that the Seahawks have “an impressive young quarterback backed by a talented running game and an airtight defense.”

CBS Sports had the Seahawks as low as No. 6, proclaiming:

"They are the trendy Super Bowl pick, but they have a lot of issues heading into the season. Who rushes the passer? Who catches the ball?"

In defense, that article was published on Aug. 20 and Pete Prisco, the senior NFL columnist who put those rankings together, mentions that “Power Rankings differ from predictions. So calm the hell down.”

It’s still nice to know that Seattle is getting the respect it deserves. In the meantime, kickoff for the Hawks is five days away. Hold on to your hats and glasses — it’s going to be a fun year.