2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams Enter Offseason Near Bottom

8. Seattle Seahawks

For the third time in four years, it was the Seattle Seahawks that finished on top of the NFC West, but there was something different about this squad in 2016. Over the years, the Seahawks’ defense was always considered one of the best in the league, and while they certainly looked good at times, Pete Carroll‘s unit wasn’t as dominant.

Just look at their performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round, and it’s clear Seattle was a completely different team from the last few years. Along with the defense looking different, the Seahawks also had to adjust to life without Marshawn Lynch in the backfield after the running back decided to call it a career after last season.

Due to Lynch’s retirement, Seattle’s ground game struggled to stay consistent for a majority of the year, and it’s safe to say it added extra pressure on Russell Wilson running the offense. Thomas Rawls did manage to put display some impressive performances, but the running back unfortunately experienced some injuries that prevented him from being consistent.

Despite all of this, there’s no reason to believe the Seahawks won’t be contenders next season, especially since they have an extra advantage of playing in one of the weakest divisions in the NFC West.