Overview

• Sam Darnold is locked in as Week 1 starter under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whose play-action system mirrors the approach that fueled Darnold’s 2024 surge.
• Interior offensive line remains the top concern after 54 sacks last season, with rookie Grey Zabel projected at left guard and Jalen Sundell leading the center battle as Olu Oluwatimi deals with a back issue.
• Seattle reshaped its receiving corps, losing D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, adding Cooper Kupp, and leaning on Jaxon Smith-Njigba after his 1,000-yard breakout.
• Defense profiles as the team’s foundation, highlighted by corners Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, safety Julian Love, rookie Nick Emmanwori, and the addition of pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.
• PFF projects an 8.0-win season and says playoff hopes rest on better protection and Kenneth Walker III staying healthy in a zone-run scheme designed to feature him.