3 Bold Predictions for the Seahawks Heading Into the 2019 Season

Russell Wilson has led the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons in the league, including an impressive 10-6 campaign last season. After claiming the top Wild Card spot, the Hawks fell to Dallas in the Wildcard Round, 24-22.

Wilson will look to lead a revamped team back to the playoffs, and it won't be on the backs of the secondary like most other years. Here are three bold predictions for the Seahawks as they enter the 2019 season.

3. Chris Carson, NFL Rushing Champ

Arizona Cardinals v Seattle Seahawks / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Carson burst onto the scene last year for Seattle, rushing for 1,151 yards on 247 carries. Expect the third-year back to take another step forward this season as he gets even more comfortable in the offense. Carson ranked fifth in rushing last season, less than 250 yards behind the pace of Ezekiel Elliott on 60 fewer carries. Seattle loved to run the ball last year, calling a run on 53% of their plays. If Carson gets the reins to the running game, there's no ceiling to his potential production. 1,500 yards is not out of the realm of possibility for Carson.

2. 25+ Sacks for Clowney and Ansah

Wild Card Round - Houston Texans v Indianapolis Colts / Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Seahawks revamped their defense with the trade of Frank Clark and the additions of two former Pro Bowl defensive ends this offseason. Ziggy Ansah signed with Seattle after being released by the Detroit Lions, and the team then paired him with Jadeveon Clowney via trade. This is one of the strongest defensive end tandems in the league with 77 career sacks combined, and it wouldn't surprise me to see eye-popping numbers from them this year. Don't be surprised if the two combine for over 25 sacks, and even sniff 30. Both are playing for new contracts, and both want to be paid top dollar. This type of production will earn them just that.

1. Seattle Wins NFC West

Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams / Harry How/Getty Images

On paper, the Seahawks got much better this year through trades, free agency and the draft. There's no reason why they can't build on their 10-6 record from last year and compete for the NFC West crown. The Los Angeles Rams were embarrassed in the Super Bowl, and the infamous hangover is real. The Falcons and Eagles both suffered from it in previous years, and I expect the same from the Rams. LA should sneak into the playoffs, but when all is said and done, the Seattle Seahawks will sit atop the NFC West.