The Seattle Seahawks have built a fascinating legacy in the National Football League over the years.
Along with their impressive on-field performances, their intense rivalries with other franchises have added a significant level of excitement for football fans.
These rivalries not only fuel the competitive spirit amongst fans, but also showcase the immense dedication and talent that players bring to each game.
One of the most notable rivalries for the Seahawks is with the San Francisco 49ers.
As both teams belong to the same division, they face off twice a year, making for some thrilling battles on the field.
In the past, the rivalry was further intensified during the time when Jim Harbaugh served as head coach for the 49ers. While the 49ers remain a strong rival, the Seahawks have also had their fair share of adversarial history against other teams.
In this article, we will explore the top rivalries of the Seattle Seahawks, delving into the passion and determination that drives these high-stakes matchups.
These rivalries serve as a testament to the resilience and prowess of the players, as well as the camaraderie and loyalty among their fans.
NFC West Division Rivals of The Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks, as part of the NFC West, have established rivalries with three other teams in their division: the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals.
Each rivalry has its unique history and dynamics, which we’ll delve into below.
San Francisco 49ers
The rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers has grown in intensity over the years.
These two teams have clashed in memorable games, with playoff implications often on the line. While both teams have had periods of success and struggles, their matchups tend to be hard-fought and closely contested.
One of the key aspects of this rivalry has been the battles between the coaching staff and key players on both teams.
A notable example was the period when the Seahawks were led by head coach Pete Carroll, and the 49ers were coached by Jim Harbaugh. Their fierce competitions often extended beyond the football field, adding fuel to the fire.
Los Angeles Rams
The rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams dates back to the Rams’ days in St. Louis. With the team’s relocation to Los Angeles, the rivalry has been rekindled with an added West Coast vibe.
Both teams boast talented rosters and have frequently fought for NFC West supremacy.
In recent years, some notable matchups have featured impressive performances by both teams’ key players. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson have been key players to watch as they continuously battle for the upper hand in their matchups.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have also been a consistent rival for the Seattle Seahawks within the NFC West.
While this rivalry may not have reached the level of intensity as the Seahawks’ rivalries with the 49ers and Rams, the Cardinals and Seahawks have had their fair share of memorable games.
The back-and-forth nature of this rivalry, with both teams regularly trading wins and losses, has kept fans on the edge of their seats.
One memorable moment in recent years was the 2016 tie game, a rare and exciting outcome that showcased the competitive nature of the NFC West and the passion each team brings to their matchups.
Notable Non-Division Rivals of The Seattle Seahawks
In this section, we will take a look at a few of the notable non-division rivals of the Seattle Seahawks.
These rivalries have developed over the years due to memorable games and playoff battles.
Let’s dive into these rivalries and understand why they are significant in Seahawks history.
Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers has grown in intensity over the last decade. Both teams have been consistently strong contenders in the NFC, which led to several head-to-head matchups with playoff implications.
One of the most memorable games between these teams took place in the 2014 NFC Championship Game, where the Seahawks made a thrilling comeback to secure their spot in the Super Bowl.
With more intense battles on the horizon, the rivalry between the Seahawks and Packers is sure to remain strong for years to come.
New England Patriots
The rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots may not have the same historic roots as some other rivalries, but the tensions between the two teams can be traced back to Super Bowl XLIX.
In what was an unforgettable game, the Patriots emerged as the victors after a last-minute interception by Malcolm Butler. Since then, the teams have maintained their status as perennial contenders, further fueling the rivalry.
Although their head-to-head matchups are infrequent, the intensity and drama of their past encounters ensure that this rivalry will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Dallas Cowboys
The Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys have developed a notable rivalry over the years, primarily due to their numerous playoff clashes.
Both teams have a passionate fan base and a history of success, making every matchup between them highly anticipated. In recent years, the teams have squared off in several regular-season games, with each side securing close victories.
As long as both the Seahawks and Cowboys continue to be competitive in the NFC, their exciting rivalry will continue to capture the attention of fans.
Historical Rivals of The Seattle Seahawks
Denver Broncos
The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have had a competitive rivalry with each other over the years. This rivalry mainly stems from their shared history in the AFC West, dating back to the Seahawks’ founding in 1976.
The two teams faced each other twice a year until 2002 when the Seahawks moved to the NFC West. Seattle and Denver have had many intense matchups, with the most recent one being the memorable 2013 Super Bowl, when the Seahawks crushed the Broncos 43-8.
Today, while they don’t face off as frequently, the rivalry still remains whenever they meet on the field.
Oakland Raiders
Another historical rivalry for the Seattle Seahawks was with the Oakland Raiders. The two teams were division rivals from 1977 to 2001 in the AFC West, facing each other twice a year and building a strong competitive relationship.
The Raiders and the Seahawks have had their share of intense games in the past, often involving hard-fought playoff races.
With both teams having passionate fan bases and high levels of talent, these matchups were never short of excitement. Since the Seahawks’ move to the NFC West in 2002, the rivalry has faded, but memories of their classic battles are still present in the minds of their longtime fans.
Recent Playoff Clashes
The Seattle Seahawks have had their share of memorable playoff games in recent years.
Minnesota Vikings
In the 2016 NFL Wild Card round, the Seahawks faced the Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling game. It was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find the end zone.
The game was played in frigid conditions, which made offense even more difficult. The most memorable moment came in the final minutes when Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a short field goal, allowing the Seahawks to escape with a 10-9 victory.
This game is still remembered by fans of both teams for its intensity and dramatic finish.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Seahawks have clashed with the Philadelphia Eagles in two recent playoff games: a 2019 NFC Wild Card matchup and a 2021 NFC Wild Card matchup. In the 2019 game, Seattle’s defense held the Eagles to only nine points, winning 17-9.
The real story of the game, however, was the injury to Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz.
Without their leader under center, Philadelphia struggled to generate any offense. The 2021 matchup was a different story. This time, it was the Seahawks who couldn’t find the end zone, and the Eagles secured a dominant 31-0 victory. These two games have added fuel to the rivalry between these NFC opponents.
Atlanta Falcons
The Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons have had one memorable matchup in recent playoff history. In the 2017 NFC Divisional Round, the Falcons came out on top, winning 36-20. The Atlanta offense proved too much for Seattle’s famed “Legion of Boom” secondary.
Quarterback Matt Ryan had a stellar game, completing 26 of 37 passes for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns, while wide receiver Julio Jones snagged 6 receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. This game demonstrated the offensive firepower of the Atlanta Falcons and left the Seahawks searching for answers.
Fan Rivalries of The Seattle Seahawks
Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the more passionate fan rivalries for Seattle Seahawks supporters involves the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This animosity mainly stems from their meeting in Super Bowl XL, where the Steelers triumphed over the Seahawks in a controversial game that left many Seattle fans feeling slighted.
The disputed calls and perceived unfairness in that game have lingered, making subsequent clashes between these two franchises particularly intense.
Additionally, being two historically successful and iconic teams in the NFL adds a sense of pride and competition to the rivalry.
Whenever the Seahawks and Steelers face off on the gridiron, fans from both sides can be expected to engage in lighthearted banter and spirited debate.
Despite not sharing a division or playing each other frequently, this rivalry is fueled by the shared history, fan passion, and the ever-present desire for redemption among the Seahawks faithful.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.