Seahawks still considered frontrunners to win Super Bowl LXI
How many Super Bowl contenders are on the same level as the Seattle Seahawks heading into next season?
The seahawks/361" target="_blank">Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season behind a blistering defense and an offense that was led by prolific play from Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III. Seattle retained most of its core from last year, and was able to replace departing stars Walker III, Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen and Boye Mafe with rookies Jadarian Price, Bud Clark, Julian Neal, and veteran free agent Dante Fowler Jr. respectively.
According to Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano in his ranking of the NFL contender tiers, the Seahawks were listed in the first tier of Super Bowl hopefuls as the biggest threat to the overwhelming favorite Los Angeles Rams, who were also grouped in the first tier along with the Denver Broncos.
The Rams traded for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett this spring, strengthening their status as the favorite to win it all next season. Los Angeles also upgraded its defense with other additions this offseason, including All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Nevertheless, the Seahawks have the offensive firepower to overcome the Rams’ defense and outduel their star-studded offense led by AP NFL MVP Matt Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
The Broncos were one win away from reaching the Super Bowl last season as the representatives in the AFC, and followed up their season of note by trading for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle this offseason. Denver will also get quarterback Bo Nix back from injury to run the show behind the offensive playcalling genius of Sean Payton in 2026.
The Seahawks have a strong unit capable of defeating the Broncos in a potential Super Bowl matchup to cap off next season. Just off of the strength of their roster alone, Seattle sees few rivals across the NFL landscape, making them one of the most formidable threats to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy next winter.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Are the Seahawks frontrunners to win the Super Bowl next season?