Seattle Seahawks Betting 2025: Season Outlook & Predictions

Greg Kajewski
Sep 4
5 min read

Updated: Sep 20

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, the Seattle Seahawks remain one of the most intriguing teams to analyze from a betting perspective. With a new coaching identity, key player transitions, and a divisive offensive philosophy, this year promises to be a rollercoaster for both fans and bettors. Below, we’ll break down the Seattle Seahawks' betting outlook for this season, covering their revamped roster, coaching strategies, and overall performance expectations for those looking to gain an edge in the betting market.

A New Era: The Mike McDonald Approach

The Seahawks are entering the second year of the Mike McDonald era, following the departure of long-time head coach Pete Carroll. McDonald, renowned for his defensive acumen during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, made an immediate impact last season by transforming Seattle’s defense into a top-10 unit, even while facing one of the toughest offensive schedules in the league.

But McDonald’s defensive brilliance is only part of the story. His commitment to a run-first offensive system has become a defining element of his approach for the Seahawks in 2025. This shift, driven by a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, has sparked both optimism and skepticism about the team’s ability to sustain offensive output without sacrificing explosiveness.

The Quarterback Shake-Up: Sam Darnold’s Big Test

One of the most talked-about changes this season is the Seahawks’ controversial decision to trade quarterback Geno Smith and bring in Sam Darnold. Opinions about Darnold vary widely, making him one of the biggest wild cards in the NFL this year. While he excelled last season in a quarterback-friendly system with elite offensive support, his track record under pressure - especially in crucial moments - raises valid concerns.

The Seahawks’ offensive line, expected to rank among the NFL’s bottom-five units, adds another layer of difficulty for Darnold. Unlike his time in Minnesota, where he enjoyed elite protection and weapons, Darnold will now need to adjust to playing behind a subpar line. The loss of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett further complicates matters, leaving Seattle’s current receiving corps lacking a reliable outside threat capable of stretching the field.

Revamped Coaching Staff: Run-First Mentality

McDonald’s offseason moves reflect his clear vision: establishing a dominant run game. The team brought in Clint Kubiak as offensive coordinator, along with run-game-focused coaches like John Benton, Justin Outten, and Rick Dennison. All these hires share a deep connection to the Shanahan/Kubiak coaching tree, emphasizing zone running schemes that prioritize precision and discipline over flash.

Last season, Seattle ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing metrics, including a disappointing 31st in short-yardage situations. McDonald’s new system aims to address these issues, but the success of this strategy will depend on whether the offensive line can create consistent running lanes and whether Darnold can keep defenses honest with an effective aerial threat.

Strength of Schedule and Travel Woes

Seattle’s 2025 schedule is a brutal test for a team in transition. According to power ratings, the Seahawks face an average opponent just slightly below league average, yet they are projected to be true favorites in only four games. What’s more, six of their road games are in the Eastern Time Zone, with five of those being early Sunday matchups - a notorious struggle for West Coast teams, especially Seattle. Historically, the Seahawks have a dismal 40% win rate against the spread in such situations since 1999, a troubling trend that bettors should factor into their decisions.

The challenges don’t end there. Seattle’s famed home-field advantage has steadily declined in recent years. Since 2021, the Seahawks have gone just 13–20–1 against the spread at home, ranking as one of the league’s worst. This diminishing edge at Lumen Field makes it difficult to confidently back Seattle in home games, especially as favorites.

Win Total and Futures Betting

When the win totals for the 2025 season were initially released, Seattle opened at 7.5 wins, with slight juice to the over. Despite appearing generous given the team’s roster downgrades, sportsbooks later adjusted the line to 8.5 wins. This shift presents an opportunity for bettors who believe Seattle will struggle to exceed expectations.

Based on projections, Seattle is expected to finish closer to seven wins, making the under 8.5 wins an appealing futures bet. With a downgraded offense, a bottom-tier offensive line, and limited explosive play potential, the Seahawks are poised to encounter significant hurdles, particularly within a competitive NFC West division.

Key Betting Considerations for 2025

Quarterback Play: Sam Darnold’s ability to handle pressure and create plays without elite protection or weapons will be critical. Early struggles could lead to calls for backup Jalen Milroe, whose timeline for significant playing time remains uncertain.
Defensive Strength: Seattle’s defense, which is expected to remain a top-10 unit (if not top-five), will be the backbone of this team. Bettors targeting low-scoring games should consider unders in matchups involving strong defensive opponents.
Run-First Offense: With McDonald’s heavy emphasis on running the ball, Seattle could see a higher variance in game outcomes. This approach might lead to closer, grind-it-out games, making the Seahawks more appealing as underdogs but risky as favorites.
Travel and Scheduling: West Coast teams playing early East Coast games have historically underperformed, and Seattle’s 2025 schedule is packed with high-risk travel spots.
Division Dynamics: The NFC West is one of the league’s toughest divisions, with the Seahawks likely to rank as the fourth-best team behind the 49ers, Rams, and Cardinals. Expect Seattle to struggle in divisional games, particularly on the road.

Key Takeaways

Defensive Strength: Seattle’s defense remains a top-10 (possibly top-5) unit under Mike McDonald, providing a reliable anchor for the team.
Offensive Line Concerns: A bottom-tier offensive line significantly hampers both the run game and passing attack, creating challenges for Sam Darnold.
Win Total Bet Recommendation: The under on 8.5 wins offers value, as Seattle is projected closer to seven wins in a tough NFC West division.
Travel Woes: The Seahawks face six East Coast road games, including five early Sunday starts - a historical weakness for the team.
Betting Strategy: Look for value in betting unders and taking Seattle as underdogs in tight matchups but avoid backing them as favorites.

Conclusion

The 2025 Seattle Seahawks are a team at a crossroads, balancing a promising defensive identity with an unproven offensive system and personnel. From a betting standpoint, there’s value in fading the Seahawks’ inflated win total and capitalizing on their challenges in navigating a tough schedule and divisional matchups. While their defense offers a solid foundation, significant offensive question marks make this a team to approach cautiously, especially early in the season.

For sports bettors and Seahawks enthusiasts alike, the road ahead is packed with intrigue, uncertainty, and potential betting opportunities. Keeping a close eye on how McDonald’s run-first philosophy evolves and how Darnold adapts to his new environment will be crucial in making informed betting decisions throughout the season.

Outlook and Source from Lefty of The Betting Network: "2025 NFL Team Preview | Seattle Seahawks | Worst Team in the NFC East?" - Live Dog Lefty, YouTube, Aug 31, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3vuuCQImtw

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.