Seattle rolled to a 44-13 win over New Orleans, punctuated by a stress-free first half and a dominant special teams showing. The attack thrived with Sam Darnold at the helm, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba asserted himself as the clear top target. Kenneth Walker III and the run game supplied late insurance, but Seattle’s depth—especially on defense—stole the spotlight as three key contributors sat out.

Measuring up to expectations, Seattle’s special teams carried 30 of the 44 points, and the defense shored up gaps with new contributors stepping in for injured stars. The Seahawks still have work to do up front, but the depth chart looks more versatile than in years past, a promising sign for fantasy owners chasing multi-week upside.

Week 3 angles: Seattle hosts New Orleans with Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s status in question, while Seattle shuffles depth behind the scenes by elevating Reed II and Bell and adding Jacardia Wright. The Seahawks’ pass rush and home-field edge are keys as they try to slow a Saints offense that can ground-and-pound when protected. If JSN sits, Seattle will lean on Metcalf and the extended receiving corps, testing depth and third-down efficiency.

Fantasy angles center on target distribution, injury volatility, and how Seattle balances aggression with smart play-calling against a Saints team that can threaten in spurts. Injury updates and lineup moves will shape this Week 3 showdown and fantasy lineups alike.

Seattle moved quickly after the waiver deadline to assemble its initial practice squad, keeping core depth intact while juggling two seventh-rounders and late-round linemen. Damien Martinez and Ricky White III were waived from the 53-man roster but are on Seattle’s practice squad, signaling a focused RB and WR pipeline. Mason Richman and Bryce Cabeldue remain on the roster as experimental linemen. Rylie Mills starts the season on the non-football injury list, and Jerrick Reed II plus Sataoa Laumea have mixed fates. The club also re-signed Quinton Bohanna and Federico Maranges (IPP), with Jamie Sheriff and Jacardia Wright among the other reported returnees. The Seahawks continue to leverage the IPP slot and cap restrictions while keeping options open for Week 1 and beyond.

In parallel, the Seahawks’ re-signings and practice-squad structure highlight Seattle’s emphasis on internal development and immediate depth at running back, receiver, and the interior line. The International Pathway Program designation adds a 17th slot, offering strategic flexibility as Seattle navigates two- or three-year veteran restrictions. With 16 practice-squad slots (plus IPP), Seattle is staking a clear plan for practice competitiveness, injury coverage, and future promotions as the season unfolds.