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NFL Power Rankings: Seattle At the Top for 2016

By James Loss

Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks players including Earl Thomas (29) and Richard Sherman (25) and Kelcie McCray (33) celebrate after Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (not pictured) missed a field goal in the fourth quarter in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks players including Earl Thomas (29) and Richard Sherman (25) and Kelcie McCray (33) celebrate after Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (not pictured) missed a field goal in the fourth quarter in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Power Rankings suggest, the Seahawks are in good shape to return to dominance in 2016.

ESPN released their way-to-early power rankings recently and Seattle is sitting near the top at #3. Most would consider the #3 ranking Seattle was given very generous. The Seahawks limped through a season filled with injury and uncertainty finishing at 10-6, losing the division to Arizona. Logistically, the Seahawks should be sitting in the 8-10 range as they had the 8th best record in the league tied with Pittsburgh and Green Bay. But these rankings look at much more than just numbers. 

Russell Wilson is coming off a breakthrough passing season.

Seattle earned the title of the league’s number one scoring defense once again in 2015. The Seahawks have already proven that defense wins championships with the Super Bowl 48 devastation of Peyton Manning and the Broncos. The fact that the Seahawks will be returning nearly all of their top defenders in 2016 earns them major credit in the rankings. On top of a stout defense, Russell Wilson is coming off a breakthrough passing season.

Wilson showcased his abilities throughout 2015 as he was forced to carry the offense in the absence of Marshawn Lynch and now it’s becoming apparent he’s more dangerous than anyone ever knew. In his 4th NFL season, Wilson posted 4,024 passing yards with a 110.1 QBR. Both were the highest in his career. Now that Lynch is hanging up his cleats, Wilson will have the opportunity to become the face of the Seattle offense.

The number 1 and 2 spots were taken by Carolina and New England, Carolina being the top ranked team. The Seahawks are set to play both teams in the 2016 regular season and Seattle should be feeling good about both games. Before the last season, the Seahawks had the Panthers’ number, but a late Greg Olsen touchdown ruined their chances at keeping the streak alive in the regular season showdown before their seemingly annual meeting in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. In that game, Wilson tore through the Carolina secondary in the last half, mounting a furious 24-0 run. Without ridiculous first half mistakes, Seattle would have won that game.

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As for New England, all of Seattle is starved for a Super Bowl 49 rematch and players are eager to ease the pain. The Patriots offensive line was dominated by Denver in the AFC championship game and you can be sure Seattle’s front four were taking note. Playing on pure determination and revenge-filled hearts, Seattle will make sure to lock this one down. Oh, let’s not forget Tom Brady has another court date this offseason.

Next: The Seahawks Offensive Line

These rankings are far from permanent and the upcoming offseason holds many unknowns. The Draft will add plenty more pieces to the puzzle, and keep an eye on

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