Seahawks 2024 season predictions: Seattle Times staff forecasts record

After narrowly missing the playoffs at 9-8 last season, the Seahawks hit the reset button.

With first-time head coach Mike Macdonald at the helm, can Seattle emerge from within another tough NFC West and return to the playoffs?

Here are season predictions from the Seattle Times sports staff.

read more seahawks season preview 2024

More

Paul Barrett, Sports Editor: 9-8

9-8

The Seahawks offense has the talent to rank among the NFL’s top 10, and the addition of coordinator Ryan Grubb seems like a perfect fit. However, the offensive line is mostly a mystery, and several significant questions remain about the defense (especially at linebacker). I can see the Seahawks finishing anywhere from 11-6 to 7-10. I’ll split the difference and go with 9-8 and no playoff appearance.

Matt Calkins, sports columnist

9-8

Mike Macdonald seems to be a defensive wiz and the Seahawks appear to have a favorable schedule. But unproven personnel on the defensive side, as well as aging offensive mainstays, make it difficult to see this team winning 10 games. 

Bob Condotta, Seahawks beat writer

11-6

The roster appears better than a year ago, in talent, experience and health. And Mike Macdonald comes with a track record of working miracles on the side of the ball where they needed the most help — defense. The NFC West may be one of the best divisions in the NFL so nothing will come easily. But if Geno Smith stays upright, the Seahawks have the makings of a playoff team.

Nathan Joyce, Assistant Sports Editor

10-7

The Seahawks improved a roster that won nine games last year. They needed a new approach, especially on defense, which Mike Macdonald brings. How many times have you heard this in Seattle? It all comes down to that offensive line.

Adam Jude, sports reporter

9-8

A lot to like about the new-look offense built around Geno Smith, and fair or not, the defensive secondary is already evoking Legion of Boom-type hype, but it’s only reasonable to expect an up-and-down season with a first-time head coach and a first-time NFL offensive play-caller. 

Mike Vorel, sports columnist

9-8

Mike Macdonald will maximize his defensive personnel in the Seahawks head coach’s first season at the helm. But an inconsistent offensive line, and a comparable lack of transcendent talent, will limit Seattle’s ceiling in Year One.

Chris Cole, sports producer

10-7

Anyone watching Ryan Grubb run UW’s offense the past two seasons couldn’t help but wonder what that brand of creativity might look like at the pro level. With a lot of fun weapons at Grubb’s disposal in Seattle (DK Metcalf career year incoming), consider me a believer. Add that to Mike Macdonald’s defensive prowess and what looks like a more-than-reasonable schedule — and the Seahawks are back in the playoffs.

Sean Quinton, Assistant Sports Editor

11-6

Maybe I’m buying the Mike Macdonald hype a bit too much, but I’m banking on the new head coach and defensive wiz to come in and massively help solve the Seahawks’ inability to get off the field in past years. If the Seahawks can even be an average team on defense, the offense has the firepower to lead this team to its first double-digit win season in four years.