The Seattle Seahawks enter this matchup against the New Orleans Saints with confidence and momentum, having opened the season 2-0 behind a combination of efficient offense, timely defense, and the undeniable energy of playing in front of one of the NFL’s toughest home-field environments. Quarterback Geno Smith has settled into his role as a steady leader of the offense, spreading the ball effectively between DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while also utilizing his running backs to keep defenses off balance. The passing attack has been particularly efficient on third downs, extending drives and wearing down opposing defenses, which is a crucial element when facing a Saints unit that has been inconsistent at getting off the field in high-pressure moments. Seattle’s offensive line, often a source of questions in recent seasons, has performed better than expected in pass protection and has allowed Smith the necessary time to read defenses and take calculated shots downfield. The ground game, spearheaded by Kenneth Walker III and supported by rookie Zach Charbonnet, provides balance and has allowed the Seahawks to control tempo, a strategy that should be critical against a Saints defense that has been vulnerable to extended possessions.

Defensively, Seattle continues to thrive under Pete Carroll’s aggressive approach, with a front seven that applies steady pressure and a secondary anchored by Tariq Woolen, who has developed into one of the league’s top young corners. This group will be tested by a New Orleans offense that, while not at full strength, still features Alvin Kamara’s versatility if healthy and a young quarterback in Spencer Rattler who has shown he can make smart decisions when not overwhelmed by pressure. Expect the Seahawks to dial up different looks to confuse Rattler and force him into mistakes, particularly with the noise at Lumen Field amplifying every challenge for a rookie signal-caller on the road. Another area in which Seattle has excelled is red-zone efficiency, as both the offense and defense have been strong in converting or preventing touchdowns, a key detail in what could be a closer game than the records suggest. The Seahawks’ special teams have also been reliable, with Jason Myers providing consistency in the kicking game and the coverage units limiting big returns, further enhancing their ability to win the field-position battle. Seattle will also lean on its recent history of dominating at home early in the season, where the combination of crowd intensity and organizational preparation often gives them a decisive advantage. While the Saints have had their number in recent meetings, this year’s matchup tilts in Seattle’s favor given the Saints’ injuries and offensive uncertainty. If Smith continues his poised play and the defense keeps up its opportunistic pressure, the Seahawks should have enough firepower and discipline to maintain their unbeaten start and reinforce themselves as a team to watch in the NFC.