Parkins’ Week 18 Picks, Can the Seahawks prove they’re the best with a win over the 49ers?

As the 2026 NFL regular season draws to a close, the Seattle Seahawks stand atop the league, boasting 13 wins, the best point differential, and the most blowout victories. Their margin of defeat is a league-best -9, meaning when they lose, it’s by the slimmest of margins. Statistically, by almost every measure, the Seahawks have built the strongest resume in football this year.

But as the playoffs approach, one question looms larger than any stat: Can Seattle turn regular-season dominance into postseason glory? And, perhaps more pointedly, can quarterback Sam Darnold rise to the occasion in the biggest moments?

The Resume: Unmatched Numbers

Seattle’s case for the NFL’s best team is ironclad. They have the most wins, the largest average margin of victory, and the most decisive victories. When they lose, it’s never a blowout. Their defense ranks among the top two in scoring, their running game is solid, and their receiving corps is stacked—featuring Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, and Jackson Smith-Njigba.

Such a resume is hard to argue against. In a league where parity reigns, Seattle has separated itself with consistency and dominance. Analysts and fans alike point to the numbers and say: This is the team to beat.

Quarterback Questions: Sam Darnold’s Crucible

Yet, as every seasoned football observer knows, the best team doesn’t always win. Football is the ultimate team game, but quarterback play can make or break a season—especially in January. Sam Darnold, Seattle’s starter, has been a lightning rod for debate.

Over the last two months, Darnold has thrown 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 8 games. Despite this, the Seahawks are 7-1 in those contests, a testament to their overall strength. But doubts persist. Darnold’s inconsistency in high-leverage games, including a shaky performance against the Rams and a history of struggles in critical spots, has left many wondering if he can deliver when it matters most.

The playoffs are a different beast. Seattle’s defense, running game, and receivers can mask quarterback issues in the regular season, but in the postseason, every mistake is magnified. For the Seahawks to fulfill their destiny, Darnold must elevate his game.

NFC Playoff Picture: Rams, 49ers, Bears, and Beyond

Seattle’s dominance has not gone unchallenged. The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears all lurk as potential playoff foes. The Rams have played Seattle close twice this season, with both games decided by razor-thin margins. The 49ers, despite defensive struggles, remain dangerous with Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey leading the offense.

The Bears, meanwhile, have been a puzzle all season. Despite a string of wins, including victories over playoff-bound teams, they remain underdogs in every projected first-round matchup. DraftKings lists Chicago as a 10.5-point underdog against both the Packers and 49ers, and a 4.5-point underdog against the Rams—even if the game is in their own stadium.

Vegas doesn’t believe in the Bears, but the NFC is wide open. Seeding matters, especially for home-field advantage in the playoffs. For teams like Seattle, every win down the stretch is crucial for securing the top seed and a favorable path to the Super Bowl.

Key Matchups: Seahawks vs. 49ers, Bears vs. Lions, Ravens vs. Steelers

As the regular season concludes, several matchups will shape the playoff landscape:

Seahawks vs. 49ers:
Seattle enters as the more complete team, with defensive strength and offensive balance. San Francisco’s pass rush is depleted, giving Darnold a clean pocket and an opportunity to shine. If Darnold plays well and Seattle wins, they cement their status as the league’s best team. But if he struggles, doubts will intensify.

Bears vs. Lions:
Chicago faces Detroit in a game with seeding implications. The Bears have much to play for, and a loss would be alarming. Detroit, under Dan Campbell, isn’t expected to roll over despite missing the playoffs. The emotional letdown factor is real, but the Lions will fight to finish strong.

Ravens vs. Steelers:
Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson returns to face Pittsburgh in a classic AFC North rivalry. The Steelers have struggled offensively, especially without DK Metcalf and Darnell Washington, and must rely on defense and takeaways. Baltimore’s balanced attack and defensive prowess make them favorites, but Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage and TJ Watt’s return could tip the scales.

The Sam Darnold Debate: Trust vs. Talent

Much of the discussion around Seattle centers on Darnold. He’s not the league’s best quarterback, but the Seahawks don’t need him to be. They need him to be reliable, to avoid costly mistakes, and to capitalize on the team’s strengths.

If Darnold can deliver in big moments, Seattle has a clear path to the NFC title. If he falters, the Seahawks risk becoming another team with regular-season promise but postseason disappointment—a narrative familiar to fans of quarterbacks who put up numbers but fail in clutch situations.

The Bears’ Conundrum: Belief vs. Reality

Chicago’s season has been a rollercoaster. Each win prompts the question: What does it prove? Despite a five-game win streak and impressive victories, skepticism lingers. Are the Bears contenders or pretenders? The answer may depend on their performance against Detroit and their ability to secure a favorable seed.

Seeding matters. A two seed guarantees a home game against the three seed in the second round, a significant advantage. For Chicago, every game is an opportunity to build momentum and silence doubters.

Picks and Predictions: Week 18 and Beyond

As the regular season wraps, experts make their picks:

Eagles over Washington: Tanner McKee starts for Philly, who are prioritizing rest but still playing for seeding. Washington, starting 39-year-old Josh Johnson, is unlikely to compete.
Cowboys over Giants: Dallas seeks to avoid a losing season, and Dak Prescott’s dominance over the Giants is well-documented.
Ravens over Steelers: Baltimore’s balanced offense and Lamar Jackson’s return make them favorites, especially given Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles.

The race for the regular-season title among analysts adds another layer of intrigue, with picks mattering for bragging rights and playoff momentum.

Who You Got? Panthers vs. Bucks, Seahawks vs. 49ers, Ravens vs. Steelers

Panthers vs. Buccaneers:
Carolina is playing better football despite their record, while Tampa Bay has struggled, with Baker Mayfield battling injuries. The outcome will hinge on the Bucs’ ability to run the ball and protect Mayfield.

Seahawks vs. 49ers:
Seattle’s completeness and San Francisco’s lack of pass rush favor the Seahawks. If Darnold can avoid turnovers, Seattle should win.

Ravens vs. Steelers:
Baltimore’s offense is clicking, and Pittsburgh’s lack of playmakers makes it hard to envision an upset. Lamar Jackson’s record in Pittsburgh is a concern, but the Ravens have the edge.

The Importance of Seeding and Playoff Momentum

In the NFL, seeding is more than a number. It’s about home-field advantage, favorable matchups, and the psychological edge that comes with playing in front of your fans. For teams like Seattle and Chicago, every win matters.

The NFC is wide open, with more teams than usual capable of making a Super Bowl run. The playoffs will test every contender’s resolve, and the regular season’s lessons will be put to the ultimate test.

Conclusion: Seattle’s Moment of Truth

The Seattle Seahawks have built an impeccable resume. They are the best team on paper, with the stats to prove it. But football is played on the field, and the postseason is where legends are made.

Sam Darnold holds the key to Seattle’s destiny. If he rises to the occasion, the Seahawks could capture their second Super Bowl title. If he falters, the narrative will shift, and questions will linger.

As the playoffs begin, the league’s best teams, brightest stars, and boldest coaches will battle for supremacy. The Seahawks have earned their place at the top. Now, they must prove they belong there when it matters most.

Stay tuned for full coverage of the 2026 NFL playoffs, analysis, and expert picks as the road to the Super Bowl unfolds.