Nov 4, 2026 · 50 min
Seahawks face a real playoff threat at 4-4
Hour 1: Are the Seahawks in jeopardy of missing the playoffs?
Seattle’s defending-champion status cannot hide inconsistent quarterback play, a difficult schedule, and a crowded NFC playoff race.
- 1The panel questions Alabama’s ranking and Indiana’s placement ahead of Ohio State in the first playoff field.
- 2Notre Dame’s weak schedule and independence complicate its playoff case before a defining matchup with Miami.
- 3Seattle’s 4-4 record, uneven quarterback play, and difficult schedule make a missed playoff berth plausible.
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The panel argues that Seattle’s 4-4 record reflects deeper problems, especially inconsistent play from Sam Darnold, rather than a temporary slump.
The brief
The first College Football Playoff rankings immediately invite challenges: Alabama’s No. 5 spot, Indiana ahead of Ohio State, and Notre Dame at No. 11 all draw scrutiny.
Notre Dame’s case turns on a weak schedule, a loss to BYU, and its independent status, while the upcoming game against No. 1 Miami raises the stakes.
Texas has a stronger résumé than its No. 7 ranking suggests, but losses to Florida and Oklahoma leave the Longhorns navigating a crowded SEC field.
Dallas’s 3-5 record exposes a defense unable to stop the run, pass, or third downs, making the Cowboys’ road game against the Colts a test of accountability.
Seattle’s 4-4 start looks more dangerous than a routine midseason stumble: Sam Darnold’s inconsistency, a hard schedule, and the crowded NFC leave the champions little margin.
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