While at first glance the Seahawks 2016 schedule doesn’t look as daunting as last year’s, it does feature a number of huge challenges. We rank the top five toughest games the Hawks will have this year.
In 2015 there were cries of conspiracy after the NFL schedule-makers released the lineup of games for the Seahawks. Opening with two games on the road, at former house of horrors Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis followed by a visit to Lambeau Field and the always tough Packers. We all know the result; an 0-2 start that the team struggled to overcome all season.
This year’s schedule looks more forgiving up front, with the team likely to be favored in their first six matchups. There are, however, some daunting games on the docket, particularly down the stretch.
Here, ranked from fifth to first, are what promise to be the Seahawks five toughest games in 2016:
#5: AT Green Bay, Sunday – December 11th
A return trip to Lambeau, this time in December where the frozen tundra might actually be frozen. Once again the Packers look like a team with some flaws, but still possessing the ability to be among the league’s elite.
Last year, a short-handed Seattle team (missing Kam Chancellor in a contract dispute) couldn’t hold a third quarter lead and fell to the Pack 27-17.
Getting Jordy Nelson back this year makes Aaron Rodgers better, and running back Eddie Lacy is reportedly in the proverbial “best shape of his life”. Just how good Green Bay will be by week 14 will depend on how improved their defense is.
Next: Christmas Eve party at home
#4: Arizona at CenturyLink Field – Saturday, December 24th
A week 16 Christmas Eve home slate against the Cardinals could very well be for the NFC West division title. Last year the two teams split, with the road teams winning each game.
QB Carson Palmer will be 3 days shy of his 37th birthday when this game is played, and there are questions about how much he has left in the tank. Certainly there are questions about his ability to stay healthy. If he can stay under center, the Cards have all the ammunition to aim for a second straight divisional title. To do so, the may just need to sweep the season series with Seattle.
Speaking of which……….
Next: Prime time in Arizona
#3: AT Arizona – Sunday, October 23rd
….the season series begins with a week 7 Sunday Night Football game in prime time on NBC. Depending on how well the Cardinals fare in their season opener against a Tom Brady-less New England team, there’s a chance this game will pit two undefeated teams vying for the early division lead.
Arizona looks to have a dynamic offense and their usual disruptive defense. Sound familiar? The similarities between these two clubs is what makes this growing rivalry so intriguing.
Next: Those pesky Panthers again
#2: Carolina at CenturyLink Field – December 4th
The Seahawks inability to hold a commanding late lead against the Panthers at home last year symbolized their early season struggles, and helped dig a deeper hole that at the time appeared to big to crawl out of.
This time around, we’re talking week 13. Everything, including the NFC’s #1 seed could be on the line in this one.
This is another Sunday Night Football prime time game on NBC. The Seahawks are notorious for thriving in these situations. They’ll need to in this one if they have any hopes of securing a bye in the NFC playoffs.
Next: Super Bowl preview?
#1: AT New England – Sunday November 13th.
This will be the Seahawks first trip to the Patriots home turf since 2004 (a 30-20 loss) and the first they’ve seen of New England since that ill-fated ending in the Super Bowl 17 months ago.
Revenge game? It’ll certainly be built up that way in pregame promotion, but both rosters have seen significant changes since they met in Arizona. What hasn’t changed, however, are the two quarterbacks. This will be billed as Brady vs. Wilson by…. wait for it…. the NBC Sunday Night Football crew! Unfortunately, Seattle will have to deal with Brady as he will be back from his 4-game suspension….unlike Arizona who gets the Pats in week #1.
As far as conference and divisional implications this game doesn’t hold the weight of the other four games we ranked, but playing in New England, with all the emotional weight that will be dredged up about the Super Bowl in the week prior, will present a massive mid-season test for Seattle.
Next: Carson Palmer and the QB cliff
The fact it comes just six days after they face a physical Buffalo team on Monday Night Football won’t make things easier.