Many questioned the direction the Seattle Seahawks took entering this season. They lost quarterback Geno Smith and receiver DK Metcalf, and they signed Sam Darnold to a large contract after just one successful season in Minnesota.
Evidently, second-year head coach Mike Macdonald had a vision. Fast forward to December, and the Seahawks are 10-3, not only fighting for a playoff spot but also for the NFC West title.
The offense is clicking, led by receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is on pace for a historic season, and Seattle boasts a top-three defensive unit in the NFL.
In Week 15, the Seahawks will look to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, who could potentially start 44-year-old Philip Rivers. Seattle needs to keep winning to stay close behind the Rams in the NFC West.
Here’s a closer look at the Seahawks’ 2025-26 postseason chances heading into Week 15.
MORE WEEK 15 NFL:
- NFL power rankings for Week 15
- NFL Week 15 picks, predictions
- NFL Week 15 picks against the spread
Seahawks playoff picture
Due to their success this season, the Seahawks have positioned themselves nicely to make the playoffs.
Heading into Week 15, Next Gen Stats gives Seattle a 98% chance of making the playoffs, which is the highest percentage of any Wild Card team in the NFL. A win over Indianapolis would boost their odds to 99%; even if they lose, their chances stay high at 93%.
Whether the Seahawks will make the playoffs or not is the question that needs answering. It's whether Seattle will win the NFC West and secure the bye over the Los Angeles Rams.
Here is how the NFC playoff picture looks ahead of Week 15. The first four seeds are the division leaders.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Los Angeles Rams | 10-3 |
| 2 | Green Bay Packers | 9-3-1 |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8-5 |
| 4 | Carolina Panthers | 7-6 |
| 5 | Seattle Seahawks | 10-3 |
| 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 9-4 |
| 7 | Chicago Bears | 9-4 |
| 8 | Detroit Lions | 8-5 |
| 9 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-7 |
| 10 | Dallas Cowboys | 6-6-1 |
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings | 5-8 |
| 12 | Atlanta Falcons | 4-9 |
| 13 | Arizona Cardinals | 3-10 |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | 3-10 |
| 15 | Washington Commanders | 3-10 |
| 16 | New York Giants | 2-11 |
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture after Week 14 results
NFC West standings
| Team | Record |
| Los Angeles Rams | 10-3 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 10-3 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 9-4 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-10 |
Despite their impressive efforts, Seattle is not only not leading the NFC West, but they haven't even pulled ahead of third place. This isn't something to criticize the Seahawks for, as the NFC West is the only division in the NFL with three teams currently in the postseason.
MORE: Meet Sam Darnold's family, including his grandfather Dick Hammer
Sehawks remaining schedule
The Seahawks have anything but a favorable finish to the season. All three of their remaining opponents are currently in a playoff spot.
Seattle is more than capable of winning out, but it will certainly not be a simple task.
Weeks 16 and 18 could hold profound implications for who will be crowned the NFC West champions. The game in Charlotte might be considered a "trap game" depending on what's on the line for that Week 18 matchup.
Here is a look at Seattle's remaining schedule.
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | vs. Rams |
| 17 | at Panthers |
| 18 | at 49ers |