The Seattle Seahawks enter Sunday’s Week 10 bye at 4-5. They currently sit outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC wild-card playoff rooting guide for the weekend.
Jacksonville Jaguars over Minnesota Vikings
The 6-2 Minnesota Vikings currently own the conference’s top wild card spot, because they trail the 7-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Vikings are heavy favorites over the 2-7 Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Jaguars would be doing the Seahawks (and the entire NFC) a massive favor by upsetting Minnesota on Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys over Philadelphia Eagles
The 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles own the NFC’s No. 2 wild-card spot because they trail the shocking Washington Commanders in the NFC East. The Eagles have a divisional showdown versus the Dallas Cowboys, who lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a multi-week injury. We’re not holding our breath on this hopeful upset.
New England Patriots over Chicago Bears
The 4-4 Chicago Bears are slightly ahead of the Seahawks in the postseason race despite also being outside the playoffs as things stand. Caleb Williams’ Bears host Drake Maye’s New England Patriots in an exciting rookie-vs-rookie matchup. A Patriots upset would be helpful, but qualifies as unlikely.
Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams
The Seahawks trail the Los Angeles Rams in both the NFC West and in the heated wild-card race. A Miami Dolphins victory over the Rams on Monday Night Football would be especially helpful. Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
A San Francisco 49ers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers tie?
It’s difficult to choose between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because the Seahawks trail both in the current postseason picture. When in doubt, root for the non-divisional option. A Buccaneers victory would be the preferred outcome if a tie feels unrealistic.
New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals
The 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sit atop Seattle’s division at 5-4. Should the Cardinals lose to Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets on Sunday, they’ll fall back into the wild-card hunt. Regardless, a Jets victory would enhance Seattle’s postseason chances.