The Seattle Seahawks had their best showing of the season in Week 3 as they put a 44-13 beatdown on the New Orleans Saints. They were dominant in all three facets of the game as their offense, defense, and special teams all had big-time performances to contribute to the win.
Sam Darnold had, by far, his best performance as a member of the Seahawks, while Tory Horton had a breakout game that bodes well for his future. Despite the strong all-around game, which comes on the heels of a 31-14 blowout victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle did not receive much love in the latest power rankings.
In fact, the Seahawks were ranked as a middle-of-the pack team despite their strong start.
Seahawks vastly underrated in the latest power rankings
The Seahawks have been among the best teams in the league on both sides of the ball this season. Despite their strong start, Bleacher Report's NFL staff ranked Seattle 14th in their latest power rankings as Moe Moton wrote:
"The Seattle Seahawks won't get much push in the power rankings for beating up on the winless New Orleans Saints, though they've been fun to watch, scoring 75 points over the last two weeks. Nonetheless, Sam Darnold's 2024 Pro Bowl campaign in Minnesota doesn't look like a fluke. Watch out for the Seahawks as he becomes more comfortable in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system. If Kenneth Walker III stays healthy as Zach Charbonnet works his way back to action from a foot injury, Seattle will have a balanced offense to complement its ascending defense."
The Seahawks are ranked fifth in scoring offense and second in scoring defense through the first three weeks of the season. Despite being the only team ranked in the top five on both sides of the ball, Seattle did not receive much appreciation.
In fact, the Steelers -- who the Seahawks beat in Week 2 -- were ranked one spot higher despite Seattle's head-to-head win. While Pittsburgh is also 2-1, their two wins have come by two points against the New York Jets and seven points against the New England Patriots -- who are a combined 1-5.
Ultimately, power rankings have no bearing on the outcome of the Seahawks' season -- particularly in Week 3. If they continue to take care of business, they will inevitably skyrocket up the rankings. Still, it is hard not to feel like the team is being underrated after back-to-back dominant performances.