Seahawks playoff chances still decent heading into week 10

The Seahawks are 3-5 heading into week 10 but still have a very real chance to make the postseason. Seattle is technically three spots back from the final Wild Card spot in the NFC before they play the Packers on Sunday but just one game behind the team holding that final spot currently, the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is 4-4.

Because the NFL season is now 17 games instead of 16, the extra game gives Seattle a greater chance of overcoming their bad start. And though Seattle faces two teams in the next two weeks – the Packers and Cardinals – with currently just 3 combined losses, the Seahawks then face three teams – the Washington Football Team, the 49ers and the Texans – with a combined record of 6-19.

Seattle could, though hopefully they won’t, go 3-7 and still make the postseason if they finish with a 6-1 run. That would give them a 9-8 record and since the current team in the final Wild Card spot already has 4 losses and 9 other NFC teams have 5 losses or more, a 9-8 record might be enough to make the postseason.

Seahawks still have a chance to make the playoffs this season

Is a 9-8 record realistic? Yes. If Seattle had had Russell Wilson the last three games they may have gone 3-0. With backup Geno Smith, Seattle lost two games in weeks 6 and 7 by a combined 6 points. Seattle could be 5-3 right now.

The defense is playing better but will be tested a lot more in week 10 than they have since week 5. Seattle’s special teams haven’t been as good as expected and kicker Jason Myers is just 7 of 11 on field goals this year. This means Myers could be better, and likely will be, and could make a positive difference in a close game the remainder of the season.

There is still hope for 12s that the Seahawks make the postseason. Even with a loss to the Packers, there is hope. But Seattle needs to start winning games against good teams like the Packers and Cardinals to make the rest of the year easier.