The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

Many, me included, thought 2022 would be a down year for the Seahawks. The team parted ways with Russell Wilson and headed into the season choosing between Drew Lock and Geno Smith. Turned out Smith seized the job, and the Seahawks took off. While the stretch run wasn’t incredible, the team made the playoffs. Now that Smith has been signed to a new, long-term deal the question is whether the Seahawks can build on their success from 2022.

Off-Season Changes

The Seahawks didn’t lose many players this off-season. The team saw Rashaad Penny leave to sign with the Eagles, and Travis Homer moved on to the Bears. Center Kyle Fuller joined Wilson in Denver, while Shelby Harris—a piece of the Wilson trade—was released.

But the team spent a good deal of time in free agency working on the defense. The team signed Devin Bush and brought back Bobby Wagner at linebacker, adding cornerback Artie Burns and safety Julian Love. The team also signed former Bronco Dre’Mont Jones and spent a First-Round pick on cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

The Seahawks also used the draft to boost the offense. The team snagged receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State. JSN caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. He figures to give the Seahawks another receiving weapon. The team also snagged one of the top running backs in UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet. He rushed for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns in two years with the Bruins and should pair nicely with Ken Walker.

Fantasy Impact

Last year Smith was a potential league winner. He finished as QB5. I don’t think he finishes quite as strong in 2023, but Smith is a solid QB2 prospect. In the backfield, the Seahawks are combining Walker, who was great as a rookie, and Charbonnet. Walker had 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns, catching 27 passes. Both he and Charbonnet are ailing presently, but I suspect both are back during the season. Charbonnet caps Walker’s upside, but I like Walker as the lead back and an RB2. Charbonnet could well have flex value, especially of the Seahawks move to more of a run-heavy offense.

The Seahawks also have some great receiving options with veterans Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf joined by JSN. Lockett and Metcalf have made for a great pairing the past few seasons, with Metcalf catching 90 passes for 1,048 yards and six touchdowns and Lockett catching 84 passes for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. JSN is a wrinkle, but I still think Metcalf and Lockett will be the primary pass-catchers. I like Metcalf as a WR2, with Lockett as a WR3 and JSN as more of a WR4, but a better dynasty option.

At tight end, the Seahawks brought in Noah Fant last season. He pairs with Will Dissly to give the Seahawks a pair of options at tight end. With the strength at receiver and running back, I think the tight end position will take a back seat. I like Fant best, but as a low-end TE2.

Prediction

The Seahawks were one of the most surprising teams in 2022, especially early in the season. I think more people see them as viable contenders entering 2023. That’s even more true given the struggles of the Rams and Cardinals. The Seahawks should be in the eight-to-10-win range and in the playoff hunt.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.