Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Each week we ask questions of the most plugged-in Seattle Seahawks fans and fans across the country.
Coming off a dominant 20-3 victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs—where both the offense as well as the defense appeared to be near the top of their game, the Seattle Seahawks are within two games of taking over first place in the NFC West. With the division leader San Francisco 49ers on a bye week, they have a chance
to inch one step closer. But, it won’t come easy when they host the high-powered Chicago Bears, who have won four of their last five games.
Despite another tough matchup, there remains a high level of confidence Seattle can deliver a second consecutive win.
While fans are seemingly certain the Seahawks will collect another primetime win (94% of votes), the margin of victory has conflicting opinions. In a tight poll, the majority believes Seattle will produce a convincing victory by a 9-16 point margin, with 46% of votes trending in that direction. However, 42% of voters think they’ll still come out on top, but by less than a possession.
In addition, six percent of participants view a Seahawks victory by two or more possessions, whereas five percent believe the Bears will haul out a close win and one percent pessimistically think Chicago will prevail by 9+ points.
Given the recent success of Chicago and quarterback Caleb Williams, a Seahawks victory by more than one possession appears to be wishful thinking, but it’d be foolish to rule it out after their defense—nicknamed the ‘Dark Side’ sacked Patrick Mahomes once, picked him off and forced a fumble while holding one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses to just three points last week. As an added bonus, they held superstar running back Kenneth Walker III to just 36 yards on the ground and spoiled his return to Seattle.
It’s also worth noting quarterback Sam Darnold had arguably his best game of the season and although it may not have looked that way on paper, his confidence, composure and ability to find open receivers was a noticeable step up compared to where it was just a week before against the Denver Broncos.
On top of the Seahawks issues running the ball, Chicago’s allowing the third least amount of rushing yards per game (87.6), meaning Darnold is poised to be heavily relied upon to deliver through the air. With wide receiver Rashid Shaheed’s (knee) status in question after he failed to participate in either of the team’s first two practices of the week, Seattle’s receiving core appears likely to be shorthanded on Monday night.
Luckily for Seattle’s signal caller, general manager John Schneider acquired eight-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson—one of the league’s best guards on Tuesday to significantly boost their offensive line, one who’s allowed 16 sacks through seven games. As for Nelson, he’s only allowed one quarterback hit this year.
While he’s a significant upgrade over Anthony Bradford, Nelson and the rest of Seattle’s offensive line will be faced with stopping an impactful defensive line who just added All-Pro tackle Jeffrey Simmons via a trade with the Tennessee Titans.
Although they’re set to receive an addition in the trenches, the Seahawks pass could be in trouble if Shaheed is ultimately ruled out. Chicago ranks third in offensive yards per game (390.7), with playmakers all over the field. Williams and emerging star wideout Luther Burden III have connected on all targets so far this season, and Rome Odunze as well as Colston Loveland also profile as dangerous receiving option. As for their ground attack, running back D’Andre Swift has been consistent, having totalled 476 yards and seven touchdowns.
He’ll likely command the backfield once again with fellow back Kyle Monangai (toe, thumb) having logged two consecutive missed practices to open the week.
Williams has also proven to be a rushing threat, but hasn’t eclipsed 20+ yards since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him from Weeks 2-6. Whether Mike Macdonald and Seattle’s defense can apply enough pressure to prevent the dual-threat quarterback from utlizing his legs will likely impact the momentum and possibly, the final outcome.
Regardless, they’re one of the best offenses in the league, and if the Seahawks is forced to play from behind, it would hurt having Shaheed sidelined and potentially running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) as well—who was downgraded to a limited participant at Friday’s practice.
Outside of Shaheed and Charbonnet, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle), offensive tackle Charles Cross (ankle), running back Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring), and offensive guard Anthony Bradford (knee) were all non-participants in Friday’s practice. Cross’ absence isn’t surprising considering he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain on Monday and is expected to miss time but it appears Seattle could possibly be without additional reinforcements against Chicago. A staple on Macdonald’s defense, it’ll be worth monitoring whether Nwosu is assigned an injury designation on Sunday.
Linebacker Tyrice Knight (hip), quarterback Drew Lock (right elbow) and Byron Murphy II (back) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday, so it’ll be worth monitoring their status’ leading up to kickoff as well.
Considering the Bears have won both of their primetime matchups this season and the Seahawks are likely to be without numerous starters, a multi-possession victory for the home side appears unlikely—even though it generated 52% of votes. However, given the nature of Seattle’s win over Kansas City, it’d be a disservice to count them out in any capacity.
The Seahawks are currently 3-point favorites on FanDuel and with questions hovering over both teams, a narrow, one-possession victory appears to be the most plausible heading into the weekend—although Seattle’s injury designations will likely provide a clearer picture. By the way, confidence is high among the fanbase once again.
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