NFL Predictions 2011: 4 Reasons Seattle Seahawks Can Win NFC West

The season is officially underway and the Seattle Seahawks did not have the type of performance they were expecting to open the season with.

While a disappointing loss may have Seahawks fans worried about the season, here are some of the reasons to keep hope of making the postseason alive.

The Seahawks can still win the NFC West. It's not time to panic just yet.

Aaron Curry Emerges as a Playmaker on Defense

With the absence of Lofa Tatupu at MLB, Curry in his OLB role will need to step up big on defense to help out the linebackers.

Three years removed from Wake Forest, Curry is quickly emerging as one of the bright, young liebackers in the NFL.

With the offense being a major weakness, and the defense needing someone to step up, who better then their best defensive player?

Aaron Curry will emerge as a playmaker on defense for the Seahawks.

New Additions

To defend as division champions, the Seahawks need to fill some voids from last season. Here are some of the major acquisitions made this offseason.

Zach Miller – Oakland Raiders, Four Seasons

Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings, Four Seasons

Robert Gallery – Oakland Raiders, Seven Seasons

Tarvaris Jackson – Minnesota Vikings, Five Seasons

With key players like Matt Hasselbeck (last season’s quarterback) starting for other teams, these players will need to contribute big for the Seahawks.

Strength of Schedule

The Seahawks have the luxury of having a weak schedule in the 2011-'12 season.

As they are part of the the worst division in the league, the Seahawks have a manageable schedule (opponent had a record of 125-131 last season) this season.

According to ESPN, the Seahawks' SOS is 25th in the league.

With all of the new faces across both sides of the ball, the Seahawks will need an easy schedule to win their division.

It’s the NFC West

Let’s be honest.

The NFC “Worst” is by far the worst division in the NFL, with the struggling 49ers, Cardinals and Rams.

There is no clear favorite in the division, and the winner may go 7-9 (AGAIN).

The Seahawks may not be great, but who in that division is?

The Seahawks can win the NFC West.