NFL Power Rankings Mid-Season Roundup

This is as close to the official halfway point as you can get in the NFL these days, so it’s time for an HFL Power Rankings Mid-Season Roundup! At this point every team has played at least eight games. As we know, the Seattle Seahawks are sitting at 4-4, with a huge match up lurking Sunday against NFC West-leading Arizona. Kicking off a three game “home stand,” this could be the defining game of Seattle’s season.

So let’s check in and see what the consensus is for where the Seahawks stack up in the major Power Rankings at the halfway mark.

We start with the two lists based primarily on statistical metrics.

12th Man Rising Power Index, Keith Myers: Seahawks 3rd (Previous week 4th)

"“The Seahawks and Cardinals both moved up by not playing last week. That was mostly due to Denver laying an egg against the Colts. That kind of poor performance will always lead to a decent drop.”"

ESPN Power Rankings: Seahawks 7th (Previous week 8th)

"“The Seahawks have scored only five touchdowns on 17 red zone trips this season, the worst red zone efficiency in the NFL.”"

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• 3 pros and cons of Seattle Seahawks drafting Anthony Richardson

Now, on to the more subjective opinion polls……

NFL.com, Elliot Harrison: Seahawks 14th (No change)

Harrison seems to be sending a subtle warning to the rest of the league…

"“This team is certainly capable of mounting a run, considering the talent on defense and Marshawn Lynch‘s propensity for going off.”"

Fox Sports, Dan Schneier: Seahawks 9th (No change)

"“The Seahawks will hope that the bye week can help them figure things out along an offensive line that has allowed the most sacks (31) and the fourth-most quarterback hits (60) in the NFL.”"

USA TODAY Power Rankings: Seahawks 8th (Previous week 7th)

"“If they can truly ‘turn it on,’ now is the time.”"

Pete Prisco, cbssports.com: Seahawks 8th (Previous week 9th)

"“We will know if they are back if they can beat the Cardinals and make it a division race.”"

Sports Illustrated, Chris Burke: Seahawks 9th (Previous week 11th)

Chris hasn’t updated his rankings yet this week but I thought I’d include his Week 9 list because he also assigned each team a mid season grade. He gave the Hawks a C.

"“..the record isn’t ideal, but it’s tough to declare that the teams ranked below are any better.”"

Yahoo Sports, Frank Schwab: Seahawks 10th (No change)

"“Seattle gets Arizona at home next week. If they can’t win that, it might be time to write the eulogy for the 2015 Seahawks.”"

And whenever it’s available, I like to take a look at rankings from someone covering the Seahawks upcoming opponent. So without further ado…..

Bob McManaman, Arizona Republic: Seahawks 11th (No change)

"“…although their defense once again looks like the real thing, I’ve got them losing by a touchdown at home this Sunday night against a team I’ve picked since the preseason to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 50. Gee, I wonder who that could be. Any ideas? Hello?”"

And by the way, he has the Cardinals 5th right now. 

Next: Predicting the Hawks second half, game by game

So you can see the overall trend; most around the league have still have a healthy respect for the Seahawks, understand the challenges they faced in their first half schedule, and think a huge second half run is possible…. IF they can win on Sunday.

If that happens, expect to see a major jump for Seattle in most these polls next week.