The Seahawks are back home in Week 3 to host the New Orleans Saints following an impressive double-digit road win in Pittsburgh last weekend. The Saints, meanwhile, have opened the season 0-2 under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, but have been competitive in both games, a pair of one-score losses.
Here are five things to watch as the Seahawks look for their first home win of the season:
1. Can the Seahawks start fast again and ride that momentum to a needed home victory?
The Seahawks started last week's game with the ball, then promptly drove the length of the field, capping the drive with a Sam Darnold touchdown pass to rookie Tory Horton. That score not only gave the Seahawks an early lead in a game they'd eventually win by two touchdowns, it was also Seattle's first opening drive touchdown since Week 14 of the 2023 season.
"It's always great to score touchdowns, no matter what the circumstance is, but obviously, opening drive, it's great to start the game that way," Darnold said. "I feel like, again, we can be that efficient every single drive. That's the standard for us, but it was great to be able to get out there and first drive and execute like that."
And while a fast start isn't a must—plenty of teams overcome slow starts to emerge victorious every week in the NFL—playing from ahead is a luxury the Seahawks would love to have as they look to get back on track at home. As has been well documented by this point, the Seahawks finished 3-6 last season at home, then lost their home opener to the 49ers, making them a team very eager to find their footing and once again be a dominant team at home. And a fast start, on either side of the ball, would be a great way to set the tone and get what is always a loud crowd really fired up for the game.
2. Can Seattle's defensive front keep up its strong start and find ways to (apologies in advance for this) rattle Spencer Rattler?
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will be making his ninth career start when Sunday's game kicks off, and he's still looking for his first win as a starting quarterback, but despite the team's struggles the past two seasons, Rattler has gotten off to a solid start this year, completing 65 percent of his pass attempts with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Seahawks will be looking to make life more difficult on Rattler when he plays at Lumen Field on Sunday, and one big factor they'll be counting on to make a difference is the defensive front that has not only been stingy against the run through two games, but that has also put a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. Last week in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks sacked Aaron Rodgers three times, recorded nine quarterback hits, and had several other pressures that led to quick throwaways.
And so far, the Seahawks have been getting the job done by counting on their defensive line to win its battles. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Seahawks have blitzed at the second-lowest rate in the league through two games, sending more than four pass rushers on just 13.0 percent of opponents' drop backs. That type of pressure has helped contribute to Seattle's overall defensive success, including the team's four interceptions, which are tied for second most in the NFL.
"I think it's the group of players that they've got," defensive coordinator Aden Durde said of Seattle's ability to get pressure without blitzing. "They've really got eight guys that can go. And then just the understanding of the game plan, the rush plan, how they work, where their keys are, how they get off the rock, how they do it together and relentlessness they play with. A lot of pressure comes from a lot of technique, but also a lot of like mindset of how you get there. The time you really change the game is near the end of the game when you're tired and it's like 'How do you click into that?' But they're doing a good job."
3. Can the Seahawks slow down Alvin Kamara after struggling to contain him in three previous meetings.
The last time the Seahawks played the Saints, a 2022 shootout in New Orleans, the Saints pulled off a close win thanks to several factors, not the least of which was the play of running back Alvin Kamara, who rushed for 103 yards and added 91 receiving yards.
That was Kamara's third big performance against the Seahawks, having also been a standout in Saints wins in 2021 and 2019, and now, after three career games against Seattle, Kamara is averaging 178.0 scrimmage yards in those games while scoring three total touchdowns. That's the third highest average for a player against a single opponent, with a minimum three games played, in the Super Bowl era, trailing only Adrian Peterson vs. the Chargers (181.7) and Eric Dickerson vs. the Oilers (179.0).
Most of Seattle's roster and coaching staff has turned over since that 2022 game, but that doesn't change their awareness of the task at hand when Kamara comes to town.
"He has been a really good player for a while now in our league," said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. "He has a smooth speed about him. There is such a smoothness to his running style. He doesn't lack physicality. He has a smooth change of direction. Obviously, the contact balance, body control and all that type of stuff along with his ability catching the ball out of the backfield has always been something that you have to account for with him. He is playing at a high level right now, so he's doing a good job."
The Seahawks have played the run well in their first two games, but they know they have another big test coming if they're going to keep Kamara in check.
"I've seen that guy quite a lot," defensive coordinator Aden Durde said. "Obviously, when I was in Atlanta when he was in New Orleans. To me, he's like an elite route runner with elite contact balance, quickness, lateral quickness, and vertical speed. He's got great hands and is an all-around back. Him and Christian (McCaffrey) both were in that division when I was there. When playing those guys, they're a problem. You have to prepare for them. You have to get ready for them. And you have to get to the football."
4. Can Jaxon Smith-Njigba continue his fast start.
After eclipsing the 100-yard mark in each of his first two games, third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ranks second in the NFL with 227 receiving yards. Smith-Njigba dominated the target share in Week 1, accounting for 124 of Seattle's 150 passing yards, then was part of a more balanced attack last week, with five different players having multiple receptions in the game, most notably Cooper Kupp, who had 90 yards on seven catches. But even with a more balanced passing attack, Smith-Njigba managed to contribute eight catches for 103 yards to lead the team, and with one more 100-yard game this week, he could join DK Metcalf as the only players in team history to record three consecutive 100-yard receiving games.
"He just makes plays over and over again when his number's called," Kupp said. "Obviously, he has been huge, explosive at the end of the game when you need it. Last week and just over and over again, it seems like if we can get his number called and get an opportunity to get the ball thrown his way, he's just consistently been able to do some good stuff with the ball in his hands and make plays in the air. It's really fun to play alongside him. His enthusiasm for the game and competitiveness, it's really cool to see him continue to get better."
5. Can Kenneth Walker III and the run game build off of last week's strong finish.
The Seahawks struggled to run the ball consistently in Week 1, then got going last week, with Kenneth Walker III leading the way with 105 yards on just 13 carries, including a 19-yard touchdown on third-and-goal from the 19-yard line to put the game out of reach.
The Seahawks will look to build off of that performance on Sunday, knowing their offense is at its best when it's balanced, but will be trying to run the ball against a tough Saints front that last week held the 49ers to just 77 rushing yards on 26 attempts.
"They play hard, they play physical," Macdonald said. "They play a lot like how we want to play, like square, and they put five guys on the line a lot. They're doing a good job. They're doing a really good job."
The Seahawks hit the field for a practice on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic as they get ready for Sunday's matchup vs. the Saints.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) and wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) ipracticed on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
