CBS Sports predicts Seahawks’ first 2026 defeat comes in Week 6 against Broncos
Analyst John Breech projects a 5-0 start for Seattle, citing a short turnaround and a formidable Denver roster as key factors in their first loss.
CBS Sports analyst John Breech has predicted that the Seattle Seahawks will record a 5-0 start to the 2026 NFL season before suffering their first defeat in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. The projection suggests that while Seattle has the capability to remain undefeated, the likelihood of such a feat is "incredibly low" given the depth of competition in the league.
The rationale for the Week 6 prediction centres on the physical and logistical challenges of the schedule. Following a Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks are projected to fly halfway across the country on a short week, allowing for only three days’ rest before a Thursday night game in Denver. Breech noted that this turnaround makes the Broncos the most likely team to end Seattle’s winning streak early in the campaign.
The Broncos are expected to pose a significant threat, fielding what Breech described as one of the best teams in the AFC. Denver’s projected strength includes an elite defence and an offence led by Sean Payton that now features wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. This combination is viewed as a substantial hurdle for the Seahawks, who will be testing their durability against a high-calibre opponent.
Seattle’s first five weeks of the 2026 season are lined up with formidable opponents, including the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers. The season opener against the Patriots is considered particularly difficult, as New England strengthened its roster with the addition of A.J. Brown, setting up a rematch of the previous season’s Super Bowl.
The remaining early-season matchups also present distinct challenges. The Washington Commanders are viewed as a significant threat with Stefon Diggs in their receiving corps and Jayden Daniels set to return from injury. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their attack with Mike Evans, and star linebacker Fred Warner is expected to return from injury. The Los Angeles Chargers are also noted for their ability to defeat any team in the NFL in a given week.
Despite these obstacles, the analysis acknowledges that the Seahawks retain the strength to overcome the Broncos, making a 6-0 start feasible. However, achieving such a record is described as a very tall task, with the Week 6 contest in Denver identified as the most probable point of failure for Seattle’s 2026 campaign.
