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Ranking the 3 teams who could spoil Commanders’ playoff hopes

By Jerry Trotta

Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) escapes a tackle attempt by New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) to rush for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) escapes a tackle attempt by New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) to rush for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams with quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams with quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

The Seahawks are without question the Commanders’ foremost challengers for a postseason berth. Pete Caroll’s side is reaping the benefits of trading Russell, Wilson with Geno Smith firmly entrenched as a franchise QB, and a remarkable 2022 draft class that includes the NFL’s interception leader Tariq Woolen, Offensive Rookie of the Year contender Kenneth Walker and bookend tackle Charles Cross.

Seattle’s come back down to earth following a 6-3 start. They were in danger of losing three straight games before rallying to defeat the injury-depleted Rams in Week 13 to improve to 7-5 and leapfrog Washington in the standings.

The Seahawks aren’t without flaws, however. Their overachieving defense has surrendered more than 20 points in four straight games, and rank in the bottom third of the league in passing yards allowed, and yards per attempt on passes. They’ve also allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, and only four teams have allowed more yards per rush attempt than Seattle.

Defense could be the Seahawks’ downfall, but they have a soft end-of-season schedule with games against the Panthers, the 49ers (without Jimmy Garoppolo), the Chiefs, Jets and Baker Mayfield-led Rams in Week 18.

Seattle is the biggest threat to Washington in the playoff race.

Next. The black cloud draped over Washington's recent success. dark

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