While we were enjoying a much-deserved getaway to Cabo, the NFL schedule came out and Vegas decided the Seahawks are going to win just seven games next season. What that means is there is a lot of money to be won by going against the oddsmakers right now – because there is no way the Hawks are going to be under double digits in wins.

Vegas had already released the over/under at 7.5 wins. Then the odds men added game spreads once the schedule was released, and those added up to seven wins, which would be the under. We’d bet big money on the over – the easiest money you might ever find in Vegas.

We project at least 11 wins from a team with a top-five defense, a pro offense with a veteran staff and skill players, and a softer schedule than the one that produced 10 wins in 2024.

Let’s take a look at the schedule and explain why Vegas is gonna get its ass kicked on pro-Seattle bets.

Week 1: vs. 49ers

Vegas picks 49ers. We pick Seahawks.

The Niners won just seven games in 2024, giving up over 25 points per game. They used their top three picks on their front seven and made Brock Purdy a $50 million quarterback after trading Deebo Samuel. They definitely could be back in the NFC West mix, but they will not sweep the Hawks (as Vegas projects). Mike Macdonald’s veteran defense, which should be a top-five unit in 2025, should carry the Hawks to a win in the opener.

Week 2: at Steelers

Vegas picks Steelers. We pick Seahawks.

The Steelers have DK Metcalf, but they still do not have a QB. Everyone expects Aaron Rodgers to be the guy, but Macdonald’s defense will dominate him or any other QB the Steelers start. The Steelers have a great defense, too, so this could be a low-scoring — maybe even very ugly — win by the Hawks. But it will be a win.

Week 3: vs. Saints

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

The Saints are likely to be starting rookie QB Tyler Shough, and Macdonald’s star-studded defense should flummox him. The Hawks should win this one easily if they can keep Alvin Kamara in check. Klint Kubiak and some of his staff know this defensive personnel well, too, although the Saints are now coached by Kellen Moore, with the excellent Brandon Staley as the DC.

Week 4: at Cardinals (Thursday)

Vegas picks Cardinals. We pick Seahawks.

The Cardinals used a lot of resources to bulk up their defense, but will their erratic offense find any structure and consistency with Kyler Murray at QB? Seattle has won seven straight in the series, four straight at Arizona. Macdonald’s elite defense can easily make that five.

Week 5: vs. Buccaneers

Vegas picks Bucs. We pick Bucs.

The Bucs were a playoff team in 2024, with the No. 4 scoring offense, and they added to that with first-round WR Emeka Egbuka (some projected him to the Seahawks). If Sam Darnold and the offense are clicking, the Hawks could win this one to open 5-0. But we will go with Vegas on this one.

Week 6: at Jaguars

Vegas picks Jags. We pick Seahawks.

The Jags were one of the worst teams in the league last season, which led to changes at the top. Two-way rookie Travis Hunter will be a fun novelty to watch, but the Hawks should take this one pretty handily to open 5-1.

Week 7: vs. Texans (MNF)

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

The Texans were a playoff team in 2024, losing to Kansas City in the divisional round. They loaded up at wide receiver (Christian Kirk and Iowa’s two starters in the draft) and brought in former Seahawk Darrell Taylor and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to help a defense that was fifth in the NFL last season. Darnold’s Vikings beat the Texans 34-7 early last season, so Darnold knows this defense. It’s a Monday night game, and the Hawks usually win those.

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: at Washington (SNF)

Vegas picks Commanders. We pick Commanders.

This should be a fun game between Dan Quinn and Macdonald, with Quinn and Bobby Wagner seeing their old team again. The matchup of QB Jayden Daniels against Devon Witherspoon and the Hawks’ defense should be great. A lot will happen before we get to this one, but it sure looks like a stellar NFC matchup and possible playoff preview. We’ll give it to Daniels, Quinn and Wagner.

Week 10: vs. Cardinals

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

As we said above, the Hawks are on a big streak against Arizona – and this will be the best Seattle team Murray has seen.

Week 11: at Rams

Vegas picks Rams. We pick Rams.

Matthew Stafford is back, and Davante Adams replaces Cooper Kupp in L.A. If Kupp is healthy for this one, you can bet he will be primed for it. This looms as a litmus test of sorts for the Hawks’ young offensive line and Darnold, who was sacked nine times in the Vikings’ 27-9 playoff loss to the Rams last season.

Week 12: at Titans

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

The Titans are on to yet another new QB, No. 1 pick Cam Ward (the one-time WSU Cougar). The Titans have been a bottom-five offense for the past three years, and they do not seem to have the horses to pull out of that funk in 2025.

Week 13: vs. Vikings

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

The big story for this one clearly is Darnold facing his former team and J.J. McCarthy, the first-round QB whose injury opened the door for Darnold to earn his big contract with Seattle. If McCarthy pans out, this could be a great game. Otherwise, Darnold and the Hawks could take it easily.

Week 14: at Falcons

Vegas picks Falcons. We pick Seahawks.

It’s Michael Penix’s show in Atlanta now. He actually made his NFL debut in a blowout loss to Seattle last season, and then he replaced Kirk Cousins for the final three games of the season – leading the Falcons to 96 points in a 1-2 finish (both losses in overtime). The Falcons return their entire offense, and they used most of their resources to try to help their 23^rd-ranked defense. If it worked, they could win this one. But we’re riding Macdonald’s defense for a second straight win over ATL.

Week 15: vs. Colts

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

Anthony Richardson predictably has not proven worth the 2023 fourth overall pick, which is why Daniel Jones is now in town. The Colts are trying to help out their QBs with first-round TE Tyler Warren. Shane Steichen’s defense has been an even bigger problem, which is why the Colts added four key guys on that side. None of that figures to help them against a Seattle team that should be in prime playoff mode by this time of the season.

Week 16: vs. Rams (Thursday)

Vegas picks Rams. We pick Seahawks.

We’re taking a split for Kupp and the Hawks in this series this year, even though the Rams have won four of the last five in Seattle.

Week 17: at Panthers

Vegas picks Seahawks. We pick Seahawks.

After Christmas, the Hawks head to Carolina to face Dave Canales’ Panthers, who had the worst defense in the NFL last season and an offense that was not much better. They added first-round WR Tet McMillan for former No. 1 overall QB Bryce Young, and they spent most of the rest of their resources on the defense. We’ll see whether that is enough to make a game of it.

Week 18: at 49ers

Vegas picks 49ers. We pick 49ers.

The Hawks and Niners start and finish the season against each other, and this could very well be for the NFC West title (depending on how the Rams fare) and a home playoff game. It could be a grand finale to the regular season.

Even with a loss here, we have the Hawks at 13 wins in this projection. Even if they were to stumble against Houston and/or Atlanta, we see no fewer than 11 wins in Macdonald’s second year. It’s going to be a good one — certainly much better than the Vegas oddsmakers seem to think.