NFC West Predictions: Seattle Seahawks Challenged by San Francisco 49ers

This is the seventh in a series of articles previewing the NFL season. Today we will be featuring the NFC West.

Whatifsports.com will utilize our NFL-simulation technology, statistical research capabilities, and up-to-the-minute roster and depth-chart information to preview the upcoming NFL season.

Rosters and depth charts are up to date and as accurate as possible as of June 8, 2008. A schedule of upcoming NFL preview content, including links to other previews that have already been posted, is located here. 

For details on how we generate the results and the definition of the Absolute Record, click here.

Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

Despite several additions, Seattle's offense is declining. The defense, on the other hand, is one of the best in the NFL. Some of the defensive numbers for 2008 are inflated due to a relatively weak schedule (save for playing the Cowboys and Patriots in back-to-back weeks).

The talent is there, however, to dominate and help the team win its close games. The Seahawks average 20.6 points per game (26th in the NFL) and allow 18.1 points (Second) against a schedule featuring six games against 2007 playoff teams.

Absolute Record: 11-5

Most Significant Newcomer: Julius Jones, RB—Jones is the first newcomer we have discussed whose impact is not necessarily positive. By definition though, he will have more impact on this team in 2008 than any other player who was not on the roster last season.

Jones is an average NFL back with decent hands, but he lacks dynamic ability in the run and pass game. He is not really an every-down or every-situation back.

Going to a team that has seen its offensive line age and regress over the last few years may not help. Nonetheless, Julius Jones is an upgrade over no one (a.k.a. Shaun Alexander). We will see plenty of Maurice Morris again in 2008. The team is also high on T.J. Duckett.

For Jones, we project 927 rushing yards on 235 carries.

Biggest Strength: Mike Holmgren—Yes, the defense is very good and getting better, but Holmgren has kept this team in the playoff hunt almost every year since he joined the team in 1999. Somewhat like Jeff Fisher, Mike Holmgren is a coach who seems to be able to find a way to turn the 9-7 above into the 11-5 also listed. This is also reported to be Holmgren's last season, so the players may step it up for the coach even more than usual.

Most Exploitable Weakness: Running Game—Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett (haven't Washington and Atlanta tried this before?) are not the saviors for a below-average running game. With D.J. Hackett and Marcus Pollard gone from the passing game, and other wide receivers Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, and even Bobby Engram (see 2006) are constant question marks, even more pressure will be on the running game to produce. That does not bode well for this offense.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Owen Schmitt, RB—This is a very deep sleeper, and not worth a draft pick in 99.99 percent of all leagues, but keep an eye on him. Matt Hasselbeck loves to throw to fullbacks, as he has with Mack Strong and Leonard Weaver. And Mike Holmgren does not mind using a fullback to pick up some crucial yards.

With Schmitt, the hard-nosed, 260-pounder out of West Virginia, the Seahawks have the heir apparent to Strong in a guy who can plow through linebackers while blocking or running the ball, and catch a pass when needed. His experience in the spread offense, where he averaged over six yards a carry, could even help him get the corner and break a few big runs.

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