SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2012 Odds:
(For the latest Odds, connect to Sportsbook.com)
Odds to Win NFC West: 11/4
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 20/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVII: 40/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 7.5

2012 Preview:
Offense:
The Seahawks are well-versed in zone blocking after a year under current offensive line coach Tom Cable, one of the best zone-blocking coaches in the game. They play a lot of two-tight end and three-receiver sets and do a lot of inside zone runs with Marshawn Lynch, who will continue to get a mammoth workload. Change-of-pace back Leon Washington will occasionally spell Lynch on passing downs, taking about a third of the reps, and rookie Robert Turbin is expected to be used on only a handful of snaps as long as Lynch is able to remain healthy. Seattle is run-heavy near the goal line: Lynch will again have a huge role in the red zone, as Seattle was one of four teams to run it more than 60 percent of the time in goal-to-go situations.

The Seahawks run a West Coast offense similar to the one QB Matt Flynn played in at Green Bay. The offense also suits the skillset of Russell Wilson, whose accuracy is his best attribute. Seattle uses a lot of three-WR sets, and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was able to open things up for slot receiver Doug Baldwin. Split end Sidney Rice is more of a perimeter threat in this offense, and Golden Tate has a chance for an increased number of targets at flanker. Tight end Zach Miller ended up being a bit redundant with Baldwin in the middle of the field, which is why his numbers were down. Miller’s contributions are not expected to increase now that he’ll be splitting reps with Kellen Winslow.

Defense:
Although their 2011 leading tackler LB David Hawthorne is now in New Orleans, the Seahawks should remain an above-average defense. They finished fourth in the NFL with 22 interceptions (Brandon Browner had six) and made huge improvements in both yards allowed and scoring defense in 2011. One of the reasons was the play of DL Chris Clemons, who after floundering for several different teams has found a home in Seattle with back-to-back 11-sack seasons—there’s little reason to believe the explosive DE won’t reach double figures again in 2012. Safety Kam Chancellor is an elite in-the-box run-stuffer who even plays some linebacker on passing downs. He’s also good enough in coverage that he’s not a liability when opponents decide to pass the ball. Chancellor forms one of the NFL’s best young safety tandems with Earl Thomas, who draws comparisons to Troy Polamalu due to his athleticism and exceptional instincts.

Key Offseason Moves:
ADDITIONS
QB Matt Flynn (from Packers)
RB Kregg Lumpkin (from Buccaneers)
WR Braylon Edwards (from 49ers)
TE Kellen Winslow (from Buccaneers)
T/G Frank Omiyale (from Bears)
T Alex Barron (did not play in 2011)
G Deuce Lutui (from Cardinals)
DT Jason Jones (from Titans)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Charlie Whitehurst (Chargers)
RB Justin Forsett (Texans)
WR Mike Williams (released)
TE John Carlson (Vikings)
G Mike Gibson (Eagles)
G Robert Gallery (retired)
DT Anthony Hargrove (Packers)
LB David Hawthorne (Saints)
S Atari Bigby (Chargers)

2012 Schedule:
2012 Schedule Strength: 19.81 (23rd toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Arizona
Week 2 - Dallas
Week 3 - Green Bay
Week 4 - at St. Louis
Week 5 - at Carolina
Week 6 - New England
Week 7 - at San Francisco
Week 8 - at Detroit
Week 9 - Minnesota
Week 10 - New York Jets
Week 11 - BYE WEEK
Week 12 - at Miami
Week 13 - at Chicago
Week 14 - Arizona
Week 15 - at Buffalo
Week 16 - San Francisco
Week 17 - St. Louis

StatFox Take: Even if rookie Russell Wilson eventually loses his starting job to Matt Flynn, either quarterback gives the team a huge QB upgrade from what Seattle had last year in Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks have the 10th-easiest schedule in the NFL in 2012, taking on just five playoff opponents from a year ago. Three of those elite opponents they’ll play at home, which is always a huge advantage for them with the 12th Man atmosphere at CenturyLink Field. Expect Seattle to compete for a playoff spot and finish with a winning record this year.
Prediction: OVER 7.5 wins (-170)

All NFL Previews

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans

AFC West
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

NFC North
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams - Saturday, September 1