Seahawks vs. Giants: Different NFL Playoff Paths?

Considering those offseason roster construction parallels, the return of heralded 2022 draft classes, and the presence of Carroll and Daboll on the sidelines, the Seahawks and Giants looked to be trending up as contenders in the NFC. But the weight of expectations can be a difficult burden to live up to in the NFL and as they prepare to face off on Monday Night Football, the two franchises split at the fork in the road coming out of training camp and have taken divergent paths so far.

Despite getting blown out in its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle has bounced back nicely behind a potent offensive attack, picking up a signature road overtime win in Detroit and taking care of business against a winless Carolina squad last weekend. Orchestrating the offense, Smith's numbers mirror the ones he put up winning Comeback Player of the Year last season, as he has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and only one interception thus far.

Aiding his success, the Seahawks have improved protecting the quarterback despite injuries to tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, ranking 13th in Pro Football Focus' team grades and 10th in ESPN's Pass Block Win Rate. Behind them, the duo of Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet has given the team plenty of bite with complementary running styles and pass catching versatility.

Defensively, Seattle has had its share of issues, giving up at least 27 points and 300 yards passing in each of the first three games. However, the unit has been dominant shutting down the run, allowing just 2.9 yards per carry, while the pass rush has started to come to life with more than 50 combined pressures in wins over Detroit and Carolina.

On the flip side, there's been little to get excited about in New York, where the Giants have sputtered to a 1-2 start while ranking 31st in points scored and 30th in points allowed. Skittish behind a shaky offensive line that will likely have a fourth starting combination on Monday night, Jones hasn't been able to build off last season, throwing two touchdowns compared to four interceptions while being sacked 12 times.

Putting more pressure on Jones, star running back Saquon Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain during a furious comeback rally to beat Arizona 31-28 in Week 2 and missed a blowout loss to San Francisco. Without him, New York's backup running backs ran for 22 total yards behind a struggling line and with his status in question for Week 4, the quarterback may be without his backfield security blanket again.

Defensively, despite having a front line anchored by Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, the Giants rank 29th in run defense and have given up six rushing touchdowns, tied for third-most in the league. They also sit near the bottom of the league in sacks (two) and quarterback pressures (15) and are one of only two teams yet to record an interception.

Winning on the road in the NFL isn't easy, especially in a hostile environment such as MetLife Stadium. As demonstrated earning a playoff berth and winning a wild card game last January, the Giants have plenty of talent and the Seahawks can't afford to overlook them, particularly with an outstanding coach in Daboll who will have had 11 days to prepare his team for this critical contest already featuring potential playoff ramifications.

If Seattle tries to sleepwalk its way to a victory, all the ingredients are in place for a massive letdown in prime time against a desperate opponent looking for a "get right" game to steer the ship back towards contention.

But while the Seahawks are listed as a 1.5-point underdog, Carroll's team should enter this week healthier with Woolen, Cross, Will Dissly, and Jamal Adams all likely to be back in action on Monday night. Those returns coupled with a hot offense led by Smith and an improving defense have provided reasons for optimism, something that has been hard to find in New York to this point, which should make them favorites in a battle of franchises heading into opposite directions.