NFL playoff predictions as Seahawks return from their bye week

As the Seattle Seahawks return to action this Sunday night, they do so with a golden opportunity. Sitting at 5-2, the Seahawks have a chance to move to 6-2 against a deeply wounded and struggling Washington Commanders team.

Moving to 6-2 would keep the Seahawks in first place for the division, as part one their inevitable battle against the Rams looms on the horizon. It would also mark the first time Seattle has been 6-2 since 2020 and 2019. Those are important years as 2020 was the last time the Seahawks were division champions and 2019 was the last time Seattle has won a playoff game. If Seattle can get to 6-2, the focus feels like it’d shift more towards playoff seeding, rather than just hoping to make the playoffs.

Speaking of playoffs, I thought this would be the perfect time to give my updated playoff predictions for the rest of the season, giving my best Nostradamus impression of how the season will unfold in Seattle and across the NFL.

AFC Playoff Standings

1- Buffalo Bills (13-4)

2- Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)

3- Indianapolis Colts (12-5)

4- Baltimore Ravens (10-7)

5- Denver Broncos (12-5)

6- New England Patriots (11-6)

7- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

I think that this Sunday will play a huge role in how this season will end for the Chiefs and Bills. I have Buffalo prevailing at home, as these two separate themselves as the class of the AFC yet again.

The return of Lamar Jackson breathes new life for Baltimore and I believe they will storm back and win the AFC North, while the Steelers will claim the final spot in the AFC, over the Chargers.

NFC Playoff Standings

1- Detroit Lions (13-4)

2- Los Angeles Rams (13-4)

3- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5)

4- Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)

5- Green Bay Packers (12-4-1)

6- Seattle Seahawks (12-5)

7 San Francisco 49ers (12-5)

I feel like nobody is talking about the Lions, but they continue to look like a strong threat and maybe the safest bet to be the top seed in the NFC.

As the war for the NFC West rages on, I have the Rams being just a game better than the Seahawks and claiming the West, while the Seahawks and 49ers finish 12-5 and claim playoff spots in one of the deepest NFC playoff fields ever.

Wildcard Round

AFC

Chiefs over Steelers

Patriots over Colts

Ravens over Broncos

NFC

Rams over 49ers

Seahawks over Buccaneers

Packers over Eagles

Some big moments predicted in Wildcard weekend, as Aaron Rodgers falls to KC in his final NFL game, the Patriots upset the Colts, and the Packers eliminate the defending Super Bowl champions on the road.

For Seattle they earned the 6th seed and get revenge over Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay to earn their first playoff victory in six seasons.