The NFC just blew open, and it is an absolute arms race. Seattle welcomed the NFL’s best guard, a move that changes the entire landscape of the NFC West, while the Bears went all-in by sending two first-round picks for DT Jeffrey Simmons. What was once a division-specific battle has now escalated into a conference-wide showdown. For any team that feels close, this is their moment, and make no mistake, your Seahawks are right there.
The NFC Arms Race Just Blew Up
Right now, there are four real contenders in the NFC: San Francisco, your Seattle Seahawks, Chicago, and Minnesota. And while Minnesota is the lone undefeated team in the league, the moves happening around the conference are making everyone sit up and take notice. The 49ers, for instance, are bringing back an old friend in DeForest Buckner, and with Nick Bosa returning, their defense is stacked. Kyle Shanahan is still coaching, and Raheem Morris is leading that defense. Offensively, they’ve got Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson, and are looking to add another receiver. They’re 6-1, with an experienced core, and definitely in the driver’s seat. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the gap is wide.
Your Seahawks? They’re the Real Deal
Seriously, 49ers fans, you may not like hearing this, but the margin between your team and our Seahawks is tighter than you think. I felt this way even before the acquisition of the NFL’s best guard. And here’s the kicker: don’t let the statistics trick you into thinking Minnesota has the best defense. Seattle is the *real* best defense in the NFL. Period. Our defense can absolutely choke off any opposing offense on any given day. On offense, getting the running game going will be huge, alleviating the need to rely solely on Sam Darnold. And that Jaxon Smith-Njigba guy? Yeah, he’s pretty good. Expect your Seahawks to start rounding into peak form right as we head into the thick of the season. We’re built for a serious run down the stretch, and we have experience winning deep into January.
Monday Night vs. Chicago Just Got Electric
Speaking of things getting interesting, the Chicago Bears just made a massive splash with that Jeffrey Simmons trade. Their ascending quarterback, Caleb Williams, is on a cheap contract, which lets them make these big swings. They have solid receivers, an offensive line, and Ben Johnson, one of the top play callers and designers in the league. Simmons is a total game wrecker, and their opportunistic defense can create turnovers. So why are they third in the contender rankings? Because defensively, they’re still a notch below both Seattle and San Francisco. Plus, unlike the Bears, both Seattle and the 49ers have that crucial experience winning deep into January. That means Monday’s game against Chicago, right here at Lumen Field, just became a hell of a lot more interesting. It’s a chance to show the NFC exactly where the power truly lies.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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