Squandered opportunity is a regrettable theme of the 2024 Seattle Seahawks, who let another prime opportunity pass them by. Seattle fell at home to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24, and like the Packers loss the week prior, this was more than just simply dropping a game.
The Packers made it so the Seahawks were forced from first place in the NFC West. The Vikings have now stolen destiny away from them. At 8-7, the Seahawks no longer control their own fate, even if they win out these next two games – including Week 18 versus the Rams.
With the Rams improving to 9-6 with their 19-9 win over the New York Jets, Los Angeles can officially clinch the NFC West with a win against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, December 28th. Had the Jets found a way to beat the Rams, it would have bought the Seahawks another week (provided they defeat the Chicago Bears on Thursday). But then again, if you are in a situation where you’re hoping for the New York Jets to win a game, then you are already in a dire predicament.
If the Rams prevail at home against the Arizona Cardinals (who were eliminated on Sunday, but did defeat LA 41-10 in Week 2) then that’s all, folks. Los Angeles wins the NFC West for the fourth time in the last seven seasons. Should they lose, and the Seahawks beat the Bears on Thursday, then it will set up a division championship game in Week 18.
There is a scenario in which Seattle could lose on Thursday and it still sets up a Week 18 winner-take-all game, but even that scenario relies heavily upon the Rams losing to the Cardinals.
Of course, blowing a game like they did to the Vikings has put a serious dampener on this season. Not to mention the loss to the New York Giants in Week 5, which has loomed like cement weights tied to the Seahawks’ feet.
