November is always a pivotal month in the NFL. But for the 5-2 Seattle Seahawks, it provides the measuring stick for the team heading into a potential trip to the postseason.
Seattle will play five games in November, four of which will be NFC matchups, meaning nearly every game in November will have some manner of impact on the Seahawks’ seeding at the end of the season. Two of those games will also be in the NFC West division, so Seattle will also have the opportunity to not only create a lead in the division but possibly even build a bit of a cushion.
Of course, just as easily as Seattle can capitalize on its mid-season opportunities, so too can everything collapse in an instant.
Seattle Seahawks face a pivotal five-game stretch to define their postseason path
Let’s take a look at how these November games could shake out for Seattle with a shot at the top seed in the NFC within grasp.
Week 9: Seahawks @ Commanders
This week, the Seahawks head out to face the floundering Washington Commanders. Washington’s season has largely been undone by injuries. Quarterback Jayden Daniels could return for this game, but he will be without his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, who has already been ruled out.
Whether Daniels suits up or not, the Commanders aren’t a pushover. Washington carries the 3rd-ranked rushing attack in the NFL into the game, and they started strong against Kansas City before the healthier team took over.
Washington will give Seattle a fight, but the Seahawks should be able to create separation on the scoreboard with a healthier cast of weapons.
Seahawks win, 24-16
Week 10: Seahawks vs. Cardinals
The last time Seattle and Arizona squared off, the Cardinals closed the gap late to make the Seahawks sweat a bit. Arizona’s season looks washed at 2-5, but the team has only allowed one more point than they’ve scored.
Arizona is no stranger to playing in close games this season, but they have been a stranger to winning them, unlike Seattle. Injuries have also played a role in Arizona’s struggles, but quarterback Kyler Murray is expected back this week.
If Murray and the Cards can squeak out a road win in Dallas, then this game could look a bit scarier for Seattle. Still, it’s a must-win divisional game with Seattle entering at 1-1 in the NFC West.
Seahawks win, 21-18
Week 11: Seahawks @ Rams
The Seahawks’ first trip to Los Angeles is a pivotal point in the season. In this scenario, Seattle is riding high at 7-2, with a great shot at taking command in the NFC depending on how other outcomes across the league go.
Regardless, it’ll be Seattle’s last chance to make some headway in the division until nearly Christmas, so there’s some underlying pressure to pick up the win.
Los Angeles carries a powerful offense, spearheaded by the production of Puka Nacua. The Seahawks could respond with heavy production from Jaxon Smith-Njigba or by bringing heavy pressure defensively to slow Matthew Stafford down.
Either way, Seattle can bring itself one step closer to a home playoff game by continuing to be productive on the road, which is the biggest reason I’m leaning toward Seattle.
Seahawks win, 24-20
Week 12: Seahawks @ Titans
The Titans aren’t very good, and with this being the lone out-of-conference game for Seattle, it’s not the most important outing of this five-game stretch.
Seattle should have no issues winning this one on the road. The biggest priority is getting in and out of Tennessee healthy.
Seahawks win, 31-15
Week 13: Seahawks vs. Vikings
This is the trip-up game for a team riding a hypothetical four-game, post-bye winning streak. The Seahawks haven’t been as strong at home as fans would like, and after a couple of road wins, I can see this one ending in frustration for the 12s.
Minnesota isn’t where they’d hoped with J.J. McCarthy, especially with the injuries he’s stacked up. But facing Sam Darnold and proving to themselves that they invested in the right quarterback will be a relevant storyline leading into this game.
Simply following the trends and the natural flow of the NFL season, it’s a prime spot for Seattle to drop its third game, even after gaining serious ground in the NFC playoff race.
Vikings win, 31-27
That would bring the Seahawks to a 9-3 record heading into December, which is a great spot to be in. It’s certainly a best-case scenario, though. Picking up wins in Washington and Los Angeles won’t be easy, and if things go the other way, then Seattle will be facing a much murkier holiday season.