Predicting the Seahawks 2016 record

WEEK 4 – AT NEW YOUR JETS

This has letdown written all over it. The Jets will be very tough on defense, maybe among the best in the AFC, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick back in the fold they’ll be formidable on offense as well. It’s tempting to call this a loss.

But in the big picture, with the team 3-0 at this point and headed into their early bye, I see them stepping up and playing well. The young offensive line should start to show some cohesiveness by this time, and Russell Wilson can exploit the aggressiveness of Todd Bowles defense just as he did when Bowles was the DC in Arizona.

It may come down to a drive at the end, but the Hawks stay unbeaten going into the break.

SEAHAWKS WIN (4-0)

WEEK 5 – BYE

WEEK 6 – ATLANTA FALCONS AT HOME

This will be former Seahawks DC Dan Quinn’s first trip back to CenturyLink since he took over as head coach of the Falcons. His defense should look more like what he wanted to build since he left Seattle, and he still has Julio Jones on his side. The Falcons won’t be a pushover.

And some will say this has all the makings of a trap game, coming off a bye but with a huge matchup looming the following week against the Cardinals.

Nope. The Hawks defense, in particular their revitalized pass rush, will make life miserable for Matt Ryan.

SEAHAWKS WIN (5-0)

Next: Clash of the NFC West titans