The decision not to retain players like Kenneth Walker and Boye Mafe is particularly surprising given their impressive performances in recent seasons, but the Seahawks' front office appears to be taking a more conservative approach.

While retaining some core players such as Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe suggests that the team still has faith in its existing talent, the release of four key free agents has sparked speculation about Seattle's long-term strategy.

Many expected the Seahawks to retain their Super Bowl-winning stars after lifting the trophy in 2026, but instead they seem to be clearing out space for younger players and rebuilding through the draft.

The decision may have been part of a deliberate plan to rebuild and refresh the team, rather than simply holding on to proven winners.

The compensatory picks Seattle is expected to receive in return for losing multiple superstars are shrouded in uncertainty. Their value will depend on various factors such as the size of the players' contracts, their snap counts during the season, and any postseason awards they may receive.

This development has significant implications for Seattle's draft prospects, with the team projected to have an impressive 11 picks in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft. This abundance of selections will allow them to address multiple areas of need on their roster and take a chance on unproven talent that could potentially make a significant impact.

Despite losing several key players, Seattle's roster is not plagued by glaring holes, which suggests they are not necessarily in rebuild mode. However, this unexpected freedom may be exactly what the team needs to revamp their lineup and inject fresh blood into their system.

The Seahawks now have the flexibility to re-sign or extend existing players such as Nick Emmanwori, Byron Murphy, Uchenna Nwosu, and Quenton Nelson, who joined the team recently. This could potentially bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run in the near future.

Seattle's current roster situation is a crucial factor to consider as they navigate the remainder of this season. With Sam Darnold's contract set to expire after the 2026 season, the team has one more year to decide on his future with the franchise.

Notably, Darnold is not guaranteed any compensation for the 2027 season, giving Seattle a degree of flexibility in their decision-making process regarding his contract. This could potentially lead to a scenario where the team cuts ties with Darnold and hands over the starting quarterback role to Jalen Milroe.

The Seahawks' current performance on the field has been inconsistent, with a record of 4-4 at this point in the season. Meanwhile, their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, are leading the pack with an impressive 6-1 record.

Despite their current struggles, Seattle's prospects for a successful late-season push remain intact, particularly if they can capitalize on upcoming draft picks to bolster their roster and return to their former glory, potentially even reaching the Super Bowl.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/seahawks-set-themselves-beautifully-losing-191215398.html

Lamar Jackson, their star player and primary signal-caller, suffered a thumb injury on the first play of Sunday's game against the Bills, which could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season.

In addition to losing Jackson, the Ravens also lost backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to a toe injury, further exacerbating their quarterback woes.

The timing of these injuries is particularly unfortunate as the Ravens are scheduled to face the Jaguars in a crucial Thursday night game.

The Ravens are facing an unprecedented crisis at quarterback, one that threatens to upend their playoff aspirations. The position of quarterback is the most critical in team sports, requiring a unique blend of physical and mental skills. Elite quarterbacks can elevate entire teams, while mediocre ones can sink them.

A recent analysis by ESPN provides a stark reminder of the quarterback scarcity in the NFL. Total QBR, a metric that assesses quarterback performance across various situations, reveals a worrying trend. According to this benchmark, there are more struggling teams than there are reliable quarterbacks to lead them.

Many players struggle to reach an acceptable level of performance, with around 50 being considered average and 25 deemed replacement-level. Interestingly, some players like Michael Penix Jr. fall into the average category.

The quarterback conundrum is not unique to the Ravens, but their recent injuries have exacerbated the issue. With a crucial game against the Jaguars looming on Thursday night, the team's management must scramble to find a solution.

The Ravens' struggles on the field have been well-documented, and their quarterback situation is a major contributor to these woes.

In Sunday's game against the Bills, the team was forced to rely on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano after both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley were sidelined with injuries.

Fagnano's performance was not surprising, as he has seen limited playing time this season. However, it is his overall position in the quarterback pecking order that raises concerns about the Ravens' depth at the position.

Several teams have struggled to find reliable backups for their starting quarterbacks, and the Ravens are no exception.

The Ravens' struggles to find a reliable backup quarterback have been well-documented, and it's clear that this issue is not unique to them. When evaluating the value of starting quarterbacks in relation to their teams' chances against the spread, several teams are facing similar challenges.

A significant drop-off in performance has been observed when top quarterbacks are replaced by their backups. For instance, Josh Allen's backup would immediately flip the Buffalo Bills from a huge favorite to a pick-em team, indicating a substantial gap in talent and effectiveness. This trend is not limited to the Bills, as other teams with high-powered offenses have struggled to maintain their level of play when their starting quarterbacks are injured.

The scarcity of quality quarterbacks in the NFL has become a pressing concern for teams. Those that possess multiple talented quarterbacks in-house, such as San Francisco, are reluctant to part with them unless they receive significant compensation. The list of backups this season is underwhelming, featuring players like Trey Lance, Quinn Ewers, and Sam Howell, who, while promising, do not offer the same level of assurance as their more established counterparts.

The absence of top-tier backup quarterbacks has left teams scrambling to find suitable replacements for their injured starters. As a result, the gap in performance between starting quarterbacks and their backups has become increasingly apparent, making it even more challenging for teams to maintain their competitive edge when key players are sidelined.

The NFL's quarterback conundrum continues to plague teams, as evidenced by the Ravens' recent struggles. One potential solution lies in reviving the careers of underutilized quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, who was once a starter but is now buried on San Francisco's depth chart.

Darnold's story serves as a reminder that even seemingly washed-up players can regain their form with the right opportunity. Jared Goff, for instance, has found new life with the Giants after struggling in Minnesota, while Gardner Minshew's recent performance has revitalized his prospects. Similarly, Kirk Cousins' impressive play has made him a coveted commodity.

As demand for top-tier quarterbacks far outstrips supply, teams are forced to make difficult choices, such as mortgaging their future or gritting through the season with limited options.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/the-nfl-has-a-quarterback-problem-the-ravens-just-became-exhibit-a-160758215.html

The Chiefs come into the game with an impressive 5-0 record, having defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 22-6 just days ago. In contrast, the Seahawks are struggling to regain their footing after dropping two consecutive games, including a 17-14 overtime loss at Denver on October 15th.

Seattle's home field advantage may not be as significant this time around, given that they've lost two in a row and currently sit at 3-3. Despite this, the Seahawks still hold a strong record at Lumen Field, having won 2 out of their last 3 games there.

Rashee Rice will miss his third consecutive game for the Chiefs due to a hamstring injury, while Zach Charbonnet has been activated off the PUP list but is not expected to suit up. The Chiefs' road record stands at an impressive 2-0 this season, and they'll look to maintain their winning streak in Seattle.

The stage is set for a thrilling matchup as the two teams face off on Sunday night, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET from Lumen Field. Seattle has been installed as a 3-point favorite in the latest odds, while the over/under for total points scored has been set at 42.5.

The model's track record speaks for itself, having generated over $5,000 in profits for players who bet $100 on its top-rated picks since its inception.

A closer look at the model's performance reveals a 58-48 winning streak dating back to 2024, with Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season marking the latest milestone in its impressive run.

With the Chiefs vs. Seahawks matchup now in focus, the model is leaning towards an Over 42.5 points outcome, a prediction based on 10,000 simulations of the game.

This trend is consistent with recent head-to-head matchups between the two teams, where the Over has hit in four out of the last five encounters, including one particularly high-scoring contest at Seattle in 2018 that saw the teams combine for 69 points.

The model's confidence in this prediction is further bolstered by the fact that each of the last three matchups in Seattle have seen a combined total of at least 66 points.

The Kansas City Chiefs are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has been impressive in his first five games of the season. He has completed 66.5% of his passes for a total of 1,309 yards and nine touchdowns, while also throwing three interceptions.

In contrast, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has had a slightly less consistent performance, completing 60.4% of his passes for 1,033 yards and seven touchdowns in the same number of games. However, he has been picked off seven times.

The model's analysis suggests that both teams will combine for at least 46 points, with a 54% chance of the Over being hit. The model also recommends one side of the spread as the better value, but for specific details on this and other predictions, readers are directed to SportsLine.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/chiefs-seahawks-prediction-spread-odds-time-sunday-night-football-picks-nfl-best-bets/

This move marked a new era for the franchise under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, having previously guided Sam Darnold to the Super Bowl. To support Mendoza's development, the team also signed free agent center Tyler Linderbaum and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was brought in to provide stability.

The Raiders' plan was to hold off on playing Mendoza immediately, allowing him time to acclimate to the team and the league. This strategy was put into action when Las Vegas faced the Patriots earlier this month, a game that had already been decided by the time Mendoza took the field.

Mendoza's debut in the fourth quarter of that game saw him complete 6-of-8 pass attempts for 48 yards, showcasing his skills and giving fans a glimpse of what he can bring to the table.

Mendoza's mechanics were noticeably smooth, demonstrating a level of comfort and familiarity with his body movements during the game. This ease was evident when he transitioned between reads, with his lower and upper bodies moving in sync to position himself for throws.

One notable completion saw Mendoza find wide receiver Tre Tucker, who had been running a comeback route into an open area. The quarterback recognized Kindle Vildor's momentum downfield and released the ball before Tucker broke out of his route, allowing the receiver to easily catch it and gain additional yards after the play.

Mendoza's incompletions were few, but one notable example was a throw to the boundary that had rookie receiver Malik Benson in prime position for an inbounds catch. However, Benson failed to secure the ball, despite having ample space to get his feet down safely.

It is worth noting that Mendoza was operating with backups on both offense and defense during this game against New England's second-string unit. This meant he was throwing to receivers like Malik Benson instead of more seasoned options, and handing off to running backs rather than established players in the backfield.

In another notable play, Mendoza locked onto Dareke Young before recognizing Kindle Vildor breaking on the route, forcing him to adjust his throw mid-play. Instead of completing the pass downfield, he tucked the ball and escaped pressure, ultimately finding a checkdown to the running back later in the sequence.

The Raiders' quarterback situation has been a topic of discussion this season, particularly with rookie Fernando Mendoza's emergence as a potential starter. One area where Mendoza struggled was in operating under pressure at his feet, an issue that was highlighted by the fact that he faced minimal pressure against the Patriots.

This game may not have provided a comprehensive view of Mendoza's abilities due to the lack of pressure, but there were moments where he seemed to panic, such as when he tucked the ball and found a blocker in close proximity. This kind of situation can be a challenge for any quarterback, especially one who is still learning.

The Raiders are currently at a .500 win-loss record six games into the season, which is an improvement from last year's slow start. However, if their performance begins to falter, there may be concerns about Kirk Cousins' continued involvement as the starting quarterback.

Mendoza has made it clear that he is focused on data-driven decision making, and getting more playing time this season will be crucial in his efforts to collect valuable information for next year's campaign. This approach could help him identify areas where the team can improve and make adjustments accordingly.

The coming stretch of six games before the team's bye week presents a daunting challenge for Mendoza and the Raiders' offense, as they face several top-ranked defensive units. The 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Browns all boast strong defenses that could give Mendoza and his teammates a tough time.

The Raiders' selection of Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft has sparked cautious optimism about the team's quarterback future. While limited playing time for Mendoza may raise questions, his performance on the field so far suggests a promising prospect.

Mendoza's early play has generated hope that he could be the long-term solution at quarterback for the Raiders. Despite some uncertainty surrounding his development, it appears Las Vegas has reason to believe in its young signal-caller.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/revisiting-raiders-2026-nfl-draft-no-1-pick-fernando-mendoza/

In their latest defeat, quarterback Sam Darnold threw two interceptions against the Denver Broncos, including one in overtime that sealed the 17-14 loss. This setback comes on the heels of another disappointing performance last weekend, where the Seahawks had four turnovers in a 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold's recent issues with ball security have been particularly concerning, as he has now thrown seven interceptions this season - tied for the most in the NFL alongside Drake Maye and Justin Herbert. What's more alarming is that six of those picks have come in losses, indicating a clear correlation between Darnold's mistakes and the team's defeats.

Darnold's performance against the Broncos was marred by five sacks, as he completed just 27 of his 51 passes for 278 yards. The lone Seahawks touchdown came courtesy of George Holani's one-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Darnold took responsibility for his mistakes, expressing frustration at turning the ball over during post-game locker room discussions.

He acknowledged that his turnovers were unfair to the team's defense and special teams group, emphasizing the need for improvement in this area.

The Seahawks' turnover issues are a recurring problem, with 12 total turnovers this season - just one less than league leaders the Chargers. This trend has been consistent in their losses, each of which has seen at least three turnovers.

Coach Mike Macdonald is optimistic that these issues can be addressed, believing that solutions lie within the team's control and emphasizing the importance of moving forward and evolving as a unit.

The Seahawks' receiving corps continues to impress despite the team's struggles on the field. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's outstanding performance on Thursday night saw him catch 12 passes for 134 yards, further solidifying his position as one of the league's top players.

As the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Smith-Njigba is leading the way in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns. He currently tops the league with 717 yards, putting him firmly on pace to reach a remarkable 2,000 yards by season's end.

In addition to his impressive statistics, Smith-Njigba remains optimistic about the team's prospects, echoing the sentiments of his teammates. Despite the setbacks, he emphasizes the importance of sticking to the process and practicing hard in order to turn things around.

The Seahawks' pass protection issues persist, with quarterback Darnold being hit a staggering 17 times during Thursday night's game. This marks the second consecutive match where Darnold has been sacked five times, highlighting an area that needs significant improvement.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks' defense showed signs of resilience in the face of adversity, holding the Broncos to a mere 168 yards overall and averaging just 2.9 yards per play. Inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV was instrumental in this effort, racking up nine tackles and securing his third sack in as many games.

The Seattle Seahawks' passing game has been hindered by their tight ends, who have yet to find a consistent rhythm. AJ Barner leads the group with 15 catches for 138 yards, but he has yet to score a touchdown in six games.

Elijah Arroyo suffered a shoulder injury during the first half and was forced to leave the game without returning. There were no updates on his condition following the match, leaving his status uncertain.

The Seahawks' lackluster performance was capped off with only 14 points, ending their streak of four consecutive games scoring at least 29 points. They will now have time to regroup before facing the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated matchup on October 25.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/turnovers-piling-seahawks-rebound-after-losing-2-straight-137332141

The game was marked by two pivotal moments where the outcome hung in the balance: one on third down during the final drive, when the Seahawks had a chance to tie or win with a field goal or touchdown, and another on fourth down, where Cooper Kupp's extended arms caught a crucial pass that sealed the 49ers' victory.

The Seahawks' offense struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, committing four turnovers, three of which occurred deep in their own territory. This lack of ball security was a recurring problem for the team, reminiscent of their previous game against Washington two weeks ago.

Despite the defense's outstanding performance, holding the Niners to just enough points down the stretch, it wasn't enough to compensate for the offense's mistakes. The Seahawks' inability to protect leads and manage the clock ultimately cost them the win.

The 49ers' offense was led by Sam Darnold, who threw two interceptions that significantly impacted the game's momentum. If these turnovers hadn't occurred, the outcome might have been different.

In a contrasting performance, the Seahawks' defense stood out for its discipline and tenacity, but it couldn't bail out their teammates from making crucial mistakes. The team's inability to execute under pressure was evident throughout the game.

The game's turning point came when Mike Evans spent seven minutes dominating the field, leaving an indelible mark on Lumen Field. However, this moment aside, the defense's overall performance was impressive.

While the Seahawks' offense struggled with precision and pass protection, their defense held its ground, but it wasn't enough to overcome the errors made by their teammates.

The loss leaves the Seahawks at a crossroads in the standings, highlighting the need for improvement on both sides of the ball.

The Seahawks' victory over their division rivals was not without its share of challenges, but it's hard to argue that the 49ers made things too difficult for them.

Dre Greenlaw's frustration got the best of him early on, as he left the game after being penalized for a unnecessary roughness call. The loss of key players due to injury added to the difficulties faced by both teams.

Deebo Samuel and Jake Cowing were among those who exited the game with injuries, while Kyle Juszczyk's torn knee was a significant blow to the 49ers' offense.

Samuel's fumble and Brock Purdy's interception gave the Seahawks opportunities they couldn't capitalize on, while Cowing's mistake on a fair catch attempt added to the list of errors made by both teams.

Despite these miscues, Nehemiah Pritchett had a standout game for the Seahawks, picking off a pass that could have been a turning point in the game if the offense had converted it into points.

However, the real elephant in the room remains Sam Darnold's performance. While he showed flashes of brilliance and made some impressive plays under pressure, his two interceptions were costly and raised questions about his decision-making.

Darnold was also sacked five times, which added to the Seahawks' woes on offense. His inability to protect himself from harm is a concern that needs to be addressed in order for the team to succeed.

The Seahawks' victory was hard-won, but it's clear that they still have work to do if they want to stay competitive in the standings.

Meanwhile, Barner Prey has emerged as one of the most promising tight ends in Seattle history, with his impressive blocking skills and ability to create mismatches on the field.

The Seahawks' struggles continued as they failed to capitalize on their next possession after the punt return. Despite being given new life at the 24-yard line, Seattle's offense stalled and resulted in another series of three-and-outs.

Darnold's inability to escape pressure was evident once again, with successive pressures up the left side forcing him to throw a long field goal attempt from just outside the red zone. The result was a three-point conversion for the Seahawks, but it was clear that they were struggling to move the ball against the 49ers' defense.

The second quarter saw both teams play scoreless defense, with neither able to break through and score. However, as the quarter drew to a close, the 49ers finally broke through with a big play downfield, courtesy of Smith-Njigba's 38-yard reception behind the Seahawks' defense.

The Seahawks were set up at midfield to start the second half, but it seemed that they had weathered the worst of the storm. Despite this, the 49ers continued to dominate, and the Seahawks found themselves facing a significant deficit as the quarter wore on.

Seattle's offense stalled once again on their next possession, with Darnold being forced to throw another long field goal attempt. This time, however, he was able to connect with Kupp for a big gain, but it ultimately came up short.

The 49ers' defense continued to pressure Darnold throughout the game, and he was forced to scramble on multiple occasions just to avoid taking sacks. Despite this, he managed to stay upright and continue driving the ball downfield.

Seattle's special teams unit had a moment of brilliance with a big punt return, but it ultimately came at a cost as they were unable to capitalize on the momentum shift. The Seahawks' defense played well in the second half, but it was too little, too late.

As the game drew to a close, the 49ers held a comfortable lead, and it seemed that Seattle's chances of coming back were slim. Despite their valiant efforts, the Seahawks ultimately fell short, with the 49ers emerging victorious by a margin of three points.

The Seahawks' next drive was marked by poor pass protection, which ultimately led to another Seattle drive being stifled.

Williams cleared out the edge on the Seahawks' subsequent play, while his teammate sealed the inside, allowing CMC to stroll down Royal Brougham for a six-yard gain.

Despite their valiant efforts to get back into the game, Seattle's offense continued to struggle with consistency and accuracy.

With only 13 seconds left in the quarter, the Niners were forced to punt from the four-yard line, where the hosts would receive possession and retreat to the locker room down one point.

The Seahawks had managed to weather the storm well enough, getting the ball first to start the second half. This gave them a slight advantage over their opponents.

However, things took a turn for the worse when an unnecessary fumble occurred, resulting in Seattle losing possession of the ball and allowing San Francisco to take control of the game.

At halftime, the score was 21-13 in favor of the Seahawks, which was a significant turnaround from earlier in the game.

This marked one of the highest point totals for SF in recent memory, surpassing their Week 1 last season and Week 18 last season scores, as well as their divisional playoff performance against Seattle.

The Niners' offense had been struggling to find its rhythm, but three drives that totaled just 29 yards managed to yield 21 points.

The Seahawks' defense was finally able to capitalize on their pressure as Murphy sacked Pritchett for the seventh time in nine possessions, forcing an ill-advised pass that Pritchett couldn't complete.

Pritchett had seen it coming and tried to avoid the sack, but the pass attempt ultimately fell incomplete. The Niners' offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game.

Two runs later, quarterback Purdy attempted to connect with JSN, who managed to evade tackles from Fred Warner and Deommodore Lenoir on his way to a big gain.

The play was a testament to JSN's speed and agility, as he seemed to defy gravity by cutting through would-be tacklers. However, the Seahawks' defense remained resilient and continued to apply pressure.

Neither team could sustain a drive throughout the game, with neither offense exceeding 100 yards rushing or receiving. The Niners had managed just 99 yards on the ground and 60 yards in the air, while the Seahawks had 88 yards rushing and 86 yards receiving.

Despite this, the Seahawks held a slim lead of 26-21 heading into the final period, giving the impression that they had weathered the storm. However, their defense was about to face its toughest test yet.

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Darnold's escapability allowed him to move the chains, but a sack ultimately ended the threat and gave Seattle another field goal opportunity. The Seahawks' kicking unit remained efficient, adding to their tally of five field goals for the afternoon.

The Niners' defense has been porous past the tenth drive of games, allowing opponents to mount significant comebacks. Despite their dominance throughout the game, they were unable to close out the win until the very end.

The Seahawks' defense continued to dominate throughout the game, limiting the 49ers' offense to just one trip into the red zone.

However, in a thrilling turn of events, Kaelon Black managed to break through for an additional 11 yards, keeping the momentum alive for San Francisco.

Seattle's Byron Murphy made a crucial stop on third down, buying his team some breathing room and forcing fans to anxiously await the outcome of the two-minute warning.

Meanwhile, JSN's impressive performance was highlighted by a 35-yard strike that sparked a potential game-winning drive, but ultimately came up short due to a pivotal dropped pass on third down.

The Seahawks' defense proved relentless, sacking Purdy three times in the first half and nearly securing another crucial takedown on the 49ers' excruciating 11th drive.

In the end, Seattle's defensive prowess proved too much for San Francisco, securing a hard-fought victory despite a nail-biting finish.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/week-5-seahawks-recap-seahawks-060215559.html