The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of what some would deem a surprising season.

Following the trade of Russell Wilson, many did not expect Seattle to be competitive. It was understandable, at the time. The franchise's greatest quarterback was bering replaced with backup journeyman in Geno Smith that hadn't really had much success over his career. 

Well, as we all know, that wasn't the case, as the 'Hawks went 9-8 and made the playoffs.

They lost in the Wildcard round, but that is still quite the accomplishment for a team that many pegged as a team with no shot. 

Armed with two first-round picks (one being top 5, thanks Russell Wilson) and with Smith back at QB, it looked like the Seahawks were set to improve on an impressive 2022 season.

Well, that doesn't seem to be the case in the eyes of some. The Athletic's Vic Tafur has the Seahawks going under their projected total of 8.5 wins and now, Pro Football Focus has drawn a similar conclusion.

PFF recently released an article listing teams with the easiest schedule to the hardest schedule and they have the Seahawks' predicted win total at 8.2.

With the state of the NFC West, the line that has been established is a bit surprising. The Arizona Cardinals look to be on the brink of a franchise overhaul next season. The Los Angeles Rams remain in flux after being plagued by injuries last season and salary cap hell this  past offseason.

The only sure-fire thing in the NFC West seems to be San Francisco at the moment and even then, there are major questions about what will happen at the quarterback position. Questions will even remain once Brock Purdy is good to go: how long will it take him to get back to form and most importantly, will he be able to prove last year wasn't a fluke? 

The Seahawks have plenty of questions to answer on the defensive side of the ball, their moves they made for the interior offensive line need to work out, and Smith needs to show last year wasn't a fluke, himself. 

But even with all of Seattle's questions, it's hard to see this team as an 8-9 squad. Nine wins, minimum, should be both the floor and the expectation.