NFL Preseason Storylines: Rams, Seahawks, Patriots Drama 2026

The NFL preseason is here, and the biggest storylines revolve around the Seattle Seahawks' quest to repeat, the Los Angeles Rams' all-in approach, and the New England Patriots' off-field scandal. These narratives will define the 2025 season before a single meaningful snap is played.

Can the Seahawks Run It Forward?

Winning the Super Bowl back in February puts the Seattle Seahawks in line to become the 10th team, and the ninth franchise, to repeat as champions. While many Super Bowl winners suffer massive coaching and talent drains, the Seahawks are left in surprisingly good shape. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and pass-rusher Boye Mafe joined the Cincinnati Bengals, but the champs return 21 of their 22 starters from the Super Bowl team.

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as head coach. The Seahawks replaced him with former San Francisco 49ers run game coordinator Brian Fleury, who plans to keep most of Kubiak's passing concepts while adding new wrinkles to the run game. First-round pick Jadarian Price appears ready to replace Walker, with Notre Dame teammate Jeramiyah Love praising Price's versatility and explosiveness.

Seahawks' Proactive Mindset

Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasizes running it forward, not backward. This proactive mindset could make all the difference navigating the NFC West, the NFL's toughest division, on the way back to the biggest game. The Seahawks' schedule includes three divisional games against the Rams, who pushed them to the brink last season.

Will the Rams' All-In Approach Pay Off?

Seattle's most formidable opponent last season wasn't the Patriots; it was the Los Angeles Rams, whom they played three times, going 2-1 with a total score differential of 88-85 in Seattle's favor. That included a thrilling 31-27 NFC Championship game win. The Rams have doubled down on their veteran core, trading future picks for immediate impact players.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, now 37, remains elite, but the offensive line has question marks. The Rams' defense, led by Aaron Donald's successor, Kobie Turner, must step up against high-powered offenses. Their all-in approach is a gamble: if they don't reach the Super Bowl, the rebuild could be painful.

Rams vs. Seahawks: A Rivalry Renewed

The Rams and Seahawks have developed one of the NFL's best rivalries. Every matchup is a chess match between Sean McVay and Mike Macdonald. With both teams loaded, the NFC West will likely come down to these two squads.

Patriots Scandal: Can They Survive?

The New England Patriots enter training camp under a dark cloud of scandal, with allegations of illegal videotaping surfacing during the offseason. The league is investigating, and potential sanctions could include draft picks and fines. Head coach Jerod Mayo faces his first major crisis, needing to keep the locker room focused.

Quarterback Drake Maye, last year's first-round pick, must develop quickly. The Patriots' defense remains solid, but the offense needs playmakers. Surviving this scandal requires strong leadership and a resilient culture, something the franchise has historically possessed.

Key Takeaways for the 2025 NFL Season

• The Seahawks are the favorites to repeat, with 21 returning starters and a proactive coach.
• The Rams' all-in roster construction could lead to a Super Bowl or a painful rebuild.
• The Patriots' scandal could derail their season, but strong leadership may help them survive.
• The NFC West is the NFL's toughest division, with three playoff-caliber teams.
• Jadarian Price is a breakout candidate for Seattle's backfield.

Comparison: Seahawks vs. Rams 2024 Season Stats

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