10 NFL teams doomed to be worse in 2016

It might not be painfully obvious, but the Seattle Seahawks aren’t the NFC West juggernaut of seasons past. They are, at best, the number-three in the NFC, a dark horse contender who has the continuity — if not the explosive talent — to reach its third Super Bowl in four season. What they won’t be, however, are odds-on favorites to win their division.

Though quarterback Russell Wilson has become a far better playmaker from the pocket in recent years, he still doesn’t have a strong offensive line, and will once again have to figure out how to keep pass rushers honest without star running back Marshawn Lynch.

Yes, Thomas Rawls did a fine job in Lynch’s stead a season ago, but nor is the second-year man out of Central Michigan going to sneak up on anybody this time around. Wilson needs to forge a more consistent connection with star wideout Doug Baldwin — certainly more than he did a season ago. Jimmy Graham, meanwhile, must bring his unrivaled physical gifts to bear more often, if the Seahawks have any hope of blazing a path to Houston in February 2017.

Due to free agency and other offseason transactions, Pete Carroll’s stellar defense isn’t the same elite unit it was back in 2013. He’s a smart head coach and will make appropriate adjustments, sure, but one has to wonder if Seattle can again lean on its defensive prowess in 2016 to orchestrate another deep playoff run.

Division rivals the Arizona Cardinals are, looking at the big picture today, the more complete of the two football teams. The Seahawks can certainly still win the NFC West, and will have an inside track on one of the NFC Wild Card slots, but they’ll have to prove their worth this fall to be considered championship caliber. As things stand today, it’s hard to see Seattle — with too many holes and too many question marks — winning multiple playoff games this January.

Next: 9. Washington Redskins.