The Seattle Seahawks' 2024 schedule was recently revealed, and it's got fans excited for the start of the upcoming NFL season. Seattle will play five of the six teams who drafted a first-round quarterback this offseason, and four of the Seahawks' 17 games will be featured on primetime. I decided to take a quick look through Seattle's 2024 matchups in order to identify one opposing player that Seattle must focus on if they hope to win. The following are the 'X-Factors' that Seattle will face this season.
Week 1 vs Denver Broncos: BO NIX, quarterback
Seattle will be the first test for Nix, the most experienced college quarterback of all time. His first NFL game will be in a hostile and chaotic Lumen Field, which may factor into Nix's comfort level. Because Denver's schemes rely on accuracy and efficiency, it's vital that the Seahawks' defense disrupts Nix and prevents him from finding his rhythm.
Week 2 @ New England Patriots: DRAKE MAYE, quarterback
Adversely, Seattle will likely be the first visitors of Maye's professional career. Similarly to Nix, it'll be all about momentum and confidence for Maye. If Seattle can disrupt his rhythm and decision-making, the defense will likely be able to capitalize. Maye's decision-making was a concern in the draft, and Seattle would be wise to exploit that deficiency on gameday, either via the blitz or by mixing up defensive coverages.
Week 3 vs Miami Dolphins: TYREEK HILL, wide receiver
No one in the league is better at stretching the field vertically than Hill, who was on pace for a record-setting receiving campaign over the first half of last season. Seattle has solid corners but two new starters at safety this season, and this matchup against Hill and the similarly speedy Jaylen Waddle will provide possibly their biggest challenge all season.
Week 4 @ Detroit Lions (MNF): AIDEN HUTCHINSON, edge rusher
Seattle came away with early-season shootout victories against Detroit in each of the last two seasons, both of which were in Detroit. Hutchinson, who's been Detroit's best defensive player since his introduction in 2022, has yet to record a sack against Seattle. Given Seattle's small margins of victory, it's possible that Detroit was a sack away from victory in each game. If they can continue to neutralize Hutchinson, the Seahawks will give themselves much better odds of a third straight victory.
Week 5 vs New York Giants: DANIEL JONES, quarterback
The Seahawks victimized Daniel Jones in 2023, sacking him 11 times, forcing a fumble and securing two interceptions, one of which was returned 97 yards for a touchdown. Jones will look to minimize turnovers and get rookie wideout Malik Nabers the ball. If Seattle can once again make Jones a non-factor, the Giants defense alone will likely not be enough to prevent a Seattle victory.
Week 6 vs San Francisco 49ers (TNF): NICK BOSA, edge rusher
The 49ers have a star-studded roster, but Nick Bosa stands above the rest on the defensive side. Bosa's gotten a sack in each of his last six regular season games (8.5 total) against Seattle. The 49ers are 4-2 in those games and have won the last four meetings. The Seahawks must protect quarterback Geno Smith and running back Kenneth Walker III from Bosa's game-wrecking presence if they hope to put in a winning offensive performance.
Week 7 @ Atlanta Falcons: BIJAN ROBINSON, running back
Regardless of who's playing quarterback, Atlanta's most flexible offensive option will be Robinson, who's a capable receiving option despite lining up in the backfield. Atlanta would be wise to run their offense through him, which would make him the primary concern in Seattle's eyes. If Robinson can consistently get the ball in space, he's likely to turn one or two plays into game-changing gains.
Week 8 vs Buffalo Bills: JOSH ALLEN, quarterback
Allen has been widely considered one of the league's best quarterbacks for several years now. That was apparent in his one previous matchup against the Seahawks, when Allen threw for 415 yards and three touchdowns against the 2020 Seahawks, who were 6-1 heading into the loss against Buffalo. The Seahawks may again be 6-1 when they play Buffalo in Week 8, and they'll need to contain Allen on the ground and through the air if they hope to secure a victory. Allen's receiving corps was depleted over the offseason, which could inspire more scrambling or a different kind of passing attack.
Week 9 vs Los Angeles Rams: MATTHEW STAFFORD, quarterback
Stafford was efficient and effective in Seattle's opener against the Rams last year, throwing for 334 yards but no touchdowns. He struggled in his Week 11 return from a sprained thumb, throwing for 190 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Rams won both games, but the second was by only a single point. Without Aaron Donald's dominating presence on defense, the Rams' offense will need to put up better performances, and that starts with Stafford. If Seattle can continue to limit his touchdown numbers, they'll stand a much better chance of winning.
Week 10: BYE
Week 11 @ San Francisco 49ers: CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, running back
San Francisco's is as complex and effective an offense as you'll see in today's NFL. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is an offensive mastermind and does not employ an offensive coordinator. He has elite wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at his disposal, as well as George Kittle, who's probably the league's best overall tight end. However, possibly the offense's greatest threat comes in the form of McCaffrey, who led the league in rushing yards (1,459) and was tied for first in overall touchdowns (21) in 2023. He's a major threat as a runner, which he displayed by tallying 259 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his two 2023 games against Seattle. Additionally, he's a threat as a pass-catcher, which allows Shanahan to incorporate him into both sides of San Francisco's offense. Seattle's new corps of linebackers will have quite a task on their hands when trying to contain McCaffrey.
Week 12 vs Arizona Cardinals: KYLER MURRAY, quarterback
After winning two of his first three games against Seattle, Murray has struggled, losing his last five regular-season outings against the Seahawks, many of which occurred in seasons that were heavily marred by injury. If Murray can remain healthy, he'll spend 2024 alongside maybe his best ever supporting cast. Seattle will need to contain Murray's legs and make him uncomfortable if they hope to extend their winning streak against Murray to six games.
Week 13 @ New York Jets: AARON RODGERS, quarterback
Rodgers's 2023 debut with the Jets only lasted four plays, leaving fans in suspense regarding Rodgers' ability in New York. If he's still on the field when Seattle comes to town, he'll be the primary focus of Seattle defenders. Rodgers combines exceptional arm talent with creativity and an innate playmaking ability, making him a nightmare for any defense. Limiting Rodgers' production will be essential. We've all seen what he can do given a clean pocket and open receivers. It'll be on either the pass rush or pass coverage to take Rodgers out of his comfort zone.
Week 14 @ Arizona Cardinals: MARVIN HARRISON JR., wide receiver
Harrison Jr. is the most hyped collegiate wide receiver prospect in recent memory, and he'll instantly be Kyler Murray's favorite receiving option. Thankfully, Seattle has solid options at cornerback, most notably Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon performed excellently against star receivers in his rookie season, and Seattle will need similarly great performances whenever Harrison Jr. comes to town. Upcoming battles between Seattle and Arizona will likely be determined in large part by the outcome of Harrison Jr. vs. Witherspoon.
Week 15 vs Green Bay Packers (SNF): JOSH JACOBS, running back
Jacobs single-handedly destroyed the Seahawks in November 2022 when he ran for a career-high 229 yards, 86 of which came on a game-winning overtime stunner. Given quarterback Jordan Love's growing talent, it'll be essential that the Seahawks make the Packers' offense one-dimensional. Shutting down Jacobs and forcing the Packers to stay airborne may be essential if the Seahawks hope to keep their own offense on the field.
Week 16 vs Minnesota Vikings: J.J. MCCARTHY, quarterback
McCarthy lucked out by landing in Minnesota, where he'll instantly captain one of the league's most potent offenses. Superstar Justin Jefferson and rookie standout Jordan Addison provide great receiving options, as does tight end T.J. Hockenson. If Seattle hopes to outscore the Vikings, they'll need to stop McCarthy from easily connecting with his many talented pass-catchers. McCarthy's efficient passing was key to Michigan's championship-winning 2023 season. If he's able to duplicate that success in the NFL, McCarthy and his Vikings will be tough to stop.
Week 17 @ Chicago Bears (SNF): CALEB WILLIAMS, quarterback
Williams, the first overall selection of this year's draft, is entering the league as the most hyped quarterback prospect since Joe Burrow in 2020. He's going to be leading a Chicago offense with plenty of supporting star-power, which could make the Bears a dangerous opponent. Limiting his access to his three talented receivers will be vital to Seattle's success. One solution could be to exploit the interior of Chicago's offensive line, where Seattle's Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II could wreak havoc against the weaker portion of Chicago's offensive front.
Week 18 @ Los Angeles Rams: PUKA NACUA, wide receiver
Nacua was one C.J. Stroud away from winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He set rookie records in receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). His yardage total was fourth among all wideouts. If Los Angeles can keep Nacua involved, he'll be a serious threat alongside fellow receiver Cooper Kupp. He only scored six touchdowns as a rookie, but those numbers will likely increase if Nacua continues to frequently get the ball. Seattle's cornerbacks are solid, but they'll have a serious test on their hands in Week 18. Given Seattle's lesser experience covering Nacua may ultimately make him a greater threat than Kupp.
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