The Seattle Seahawks are starting the 2023 regular season where the 2022 one ended: at home against the Los Angeles Rams. This time, both teams are in a much different spot.
Last year, the Seahawks were looking for a win (and a Lions upset of Green Bay) to qualify for the postseason. Now they are entering the season with legitimate hype and aspirations of something more than simply making the playoffs. Seattle drafted well, made some key free agency moves, and are looking to make some noise.
Buy Seahawks TicketsAs for the Rams, they are entering uncharted waters under head coach Sean McVay. In 2022, Los Angeles floundered to 5-12, the worst season for a defending Super Bowl champion in NFL history. They were simply looking to play spoiler in Week 18 last year. Now? We’re not quite sure what to expect from the Rams.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive lineman Aaron Donald are back, but wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been ruled out. Los Angeles is also starting to face the reality of trading away picks and giving out massive contracts, as the bill always comes due.
The Rams had to trade away star corner Jalen Ramsey this offseason, and rumors persisted they would have liked to do the same with Stafford. My gut feeling with LA is they’re trying to avoid engaging in a full blown rebuild, but will have to come to that reality sooner than later.
Prediction: Seahawks over Rams 23-21
While the Rams may need to rebuild, let’s not forget they are a perpetual thorn in Seattle’s side. Even during their horrendous 2022, they played the Seahawks tough, twice. It took a game winning touchdown drive in the first meeting to prevail, and a field goal in overtime in the second. The Rams under McVay always gives Seattle fits.
Now they have Stafford and Donald Back. Stafford went 2-0 against the Seahawks during their 2021 Super Bowl season, but the absence of Kupp drastically changes the dynamic of LA’s offense. Additionally, the Rams defense could struggle mightily defending Seattle’s receivers without Ramsey.
It all comes down to the Seahawks’ offensive and defensive lines. If they can keep Donald from ruining Geno Smith’s day, or prevent the Rams from running wild on the ground. Regardless, I expect this game to come down to the wire once more.
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