The Seahawks kick off the 2025 season, and the 50th in franchise history, with an NFC West showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Seahawks are looking to build off of a 10-7 season in Mike Macdonald's first year as head coach, while the 49ers are trying to bounce back from a 6-11 campaign in 2024 that saw them finish in last place in the division a year after reaching the Super Bowl.
"The first game's always going to be exciting," Macdonald said. "You're doing all this work throughout the whole offseason and you're like, 'OK, how do we get calibrated here? Where are we?' You have a feeling for what you're good at, things like that, but you don't know until the first game. There's a lot of guys doing things for the first time in that type of atmosphere, but that's why we practice the way we do. That's why we train the way we do. We're trying to simulate those environments the best we can. We're going out there and trying to play our best ball on Sundays."
Here are three things to watch on Sunday when the Seahawks and 49ers kick off the season at Lumen Field:
1. How does Sam Darnold look in his Seahawks debut?
There are plenty of newcomers on Seattle's roster, particularly on a new-look offense led by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, but no one player will be under a bright spotlight more than quarterback Sam Darnold. Fair or not, that's just the nature of the position Darnold plays, but coming off a Pro-Bowl season with the Vikings last season, Darnold is focused more on just making sure he takes care of his job on Sunday than he is any outside pressure that comes with the position.
"I think just the opportunity that I get to be able to play in front of these fans, finally, as our fans," Darnold said. "I feel like I've been coming here the last few years, and it's nice to have them on my side now, and it's incredible. I know the energy that the 12s are going to bring out there on the field, and we're really looking forward to playing in front of those fans. But I don't put much pressure on myself. To answer your question, I think at the end of the day, I prepare so much throughout the week to just go out there and let it rip, have fun, be loose, and be myself."
Darnold, of course, is taking over the starting quarterback job with the Seahawks, having signed as a free agent after one standout season in Minnesota. His first start also happens to be against the team with which he spent the 2023 season, honing his craft as the 49ers' backup quarterback and help setting the stage for his breakout 2024 season with the Vikings.
"I think the biggest thing is that I've always understood what that time meant for me not only as a person, but as a player as well," he said. "I always really enjoyed my time in San Francisco, but being here now in Seattle, I'm excited to have that opportunity to go against them. It's a really good organization, great players, and great coaching staff over there. So, I'm just excited for the opportunity."
Darnold won't be asked to do everything for the Seahawks—they are fully expecting to have one of the league's best defenses, not to mention a strong running game—but quarterback play is always key to a team's success, and the Seahawks are excited about what Darnold has shown since arriving this spring.
"He's very cool, calm, and collected," receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. "He's got some juice though. He's one of the guys, so people listen when he talks. He's a leader that you'd love to have at that position… He's got some shit to him. Happy we got him."
2. Will Seattle's run game build off an impressive preseason?
Last season, the Seahawks ranked 29th out of 32 teams in rushing attempts and 30th in rushing yards. Those rankings are all but certain to change significantly this year with Kubiak now running the offense. Just about every player or coach who has been asked about the offense this season has brought the commitment to the running game, with right tackle Abraham Lucas calling it a "non-negotiable" that the Seahawks will run the ball this season.
The Seahawks backed up that talk in the preseason, particularly in their second preseason game, a win over Kansas City in which the starting offensive line, minus left tackle Charles Cross, saw some playing time. The Seahawks rushed for 174 yards in the first half alone that night, and finished the game with 268 rushing yards. Those kind of numbers are going to be hard to replicate in the regular season, especially against a talented 49ers defense led by linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa, both of whom have multiple first-team All-Pro selections on their resumes, but for Darnold to play at his best and for the offense to match Macdonald and Kubiak's vision, the Seahawks will need to get their running game going, and doing so in Week 1 would be a great way to start the season.
"Kansas City, that was the run game that we envisioned for the most part," Macdonald said. "Green Bay felt like we could have ran it a little bit better in some spots. Our practices have been on point, sharp… The guys are confident. We continue to stack and move forward, which is all you can ask for at this point in the season."
3. Can the Seahawks make an early statement at Lumen Field after struggling at home last season?
On their way to a 10-7 record in 2024, the Seahawks were one of the best road teams in the NFL, posting a 7-1 record away from home. The flip side of that, of course, was a 3-6 mark at Lumen Field, a disappointing home showing that in part was responsible for the Seahawks missing the playoffs.
In previous eras, the Seahawks' best teams have been dominant at home, and that's something that Macdonald and company want to see return this season, starting with Sunday's game.
"We spent a lot of time studying it, and we're tweakers. We're always trying to figure out what's the best way to do stuff," Macdonald said. "We're tweaking our away schedule too. We've looked at our home operation from Friday to Sunday. Something as different as like, 'How do we get the guys to eat more frequently? How can we help control that?' We're looking at everything. There's stuff that we've changed. But it's not wholesale shifts. I say moving and shaking all the time about, 'Hey, what's the best for us and this team?' We're making those decisions all the time, especially at home."
Players, who are proud of the connection the team has with its fans, know they need to be better at home, both to help the team in the standings, and to also reward those fans who spend their time and money to be at Lumen Field on Sundays.
"We have to take care of home field," defensive tackle Jarran Reed said. "This is our sanctuary, this is where we play, and we have to use that to our advantage… We have to win at home point blank period."
Receiver Cooper Kupp spent eight seasons in the NFC West as a member of the Rams, so he knows how challenging the noise at Lumen Field can be for an opponents, and now that he's a member of the Seahawks, he wants to help his new team reestablish that homefield advantage.
"It's always been a challenge. You just knew it was going to be loud, and I am very excited to be on the other side of it now," Kupp said. "I know it's something that we've talked about here and being able to defend our grass, defend our spot, and make it something that carries that weight that's always been in Lumen. I think that's something that the guys here have taken into account, it's important to us. And I know certainly, for me, having experienced it from the other side, I know how good it can be. I know how difficult it is to go out there and operate on the other side of the ball when that place is rocking. I'm very excited and optimistic that we get out there on Sunday and that place is going to be rocking."
The Seahawks continued their week of practice as they get set for the season debut vs. the 49ers on Sunday.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) and long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko with quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) and safety Julian Love (20) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Karl Scott at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) and linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) and linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
