Week 2 (Sept. 20): New England Patriots
Impact player: CB J.C. Jackson
Although much of the attention will be on current AFC Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore as well as fellow corner Jason McCourty, Jackson is an underrated stud in the Patriots’ formidable defense. Over the past two seasons, he has had eight interceptions and 16 deflected passes. In the 2018 season, he held opposing quarterbacks to a league-low 42.0 passer rating when targeted on 38 percent of defensive snaps; the next year, that rating dropped even further to 37.0 despite Jackson nearly doubling his workload with 68 percent of defensive snaps. Expect Seattle to once again stick with the running game.
Week 3 (Sept. 27): Dallas Cowboys
Impact player: TE Blake Jarwin
The Seahawks are notorious for struggling against tight ends, and Jarwin should act as a serious barometer for their progress in that area. Jason Witten is now a Raider, which means that Jarwin finally has a chance to shine in his new starting role. A big, athletic route-runner, Jarwin currently stands as quarterback Dak Prescott’s second-most efficient target after receiver Amari Cooper. His 2019 season included a 42-yard score, showing that he has some serious gas in the tank. The Cowboys have weapons all across the offense, so Jarwin could easily slip under the radar unless Seattle’s linebackers stay sharp.