The Washington Commanders surprised many around the league by winning double-digit games for the first time since 2012 and coming one victory away from reaching the Super Bowl. Now, there are higher expectations for the squad in the second year of the Jayden Daniels era.

The Commanders will have a tougher schedule this year by virtue of finishing second in the NFC East. Super Bowl contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions loom later in the year along with talented teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. They will also experience a dramatic increase in travel miles, which includes a trip to Europe to play the Miami Dolphins.

Now that the season is on the horizon, Commanders.com is going to break down each of Washington's opponents. We'll move on to the Seattle Seahawks, who are entering the second year of Mike MacDonald's tenure as their head coach.

Game information

Date: Nov. 2
Time: 8:20 p.m.
Location: Northwest Stadium

Individual stats leaders

• Passing Yards -- QB Geno Smith (4,320)
• Passing TDs -- QB Geno Smith (21)
• Rushing Yards -- RB Kenneth Walker III (573)
• Rushing TDs -- RB Zach Charbonnet (8)
• Receiving Yards -- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,130)
• Receiving TDs -- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6)
• Tackles -- S Julian Love (109)
• Sacks -- DE Leonard Williams (11)
• Interceptions -- CB Riq Woolen, S Julian Love and S Coby Bryant (3)

Key additions

• QB Sam Darnold (free agency)
• WR Cooper Kupp (free agency)
• WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (free agency)
• DE DeMarcus Lawrence (free agency)
• S Nick Emmanwori (draft)

Key questions

• Can Darnold recapture the magic he had in Minnesota? Darnold was one of the best stories in the NFL last season, as he led the Vikings to a 14-3 record on his way to passing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. The Vikings chose to put their faith in JJ McCarthy, their first-round pick from last season, and let Darnold sign with the Seahawks. It's possible Darnold has breathed new life into his career, and the Seahawks struck big on a similar situation with Geno Smith. However, there are questions about whether his success is partly due to the Vikings' roster as well as Kevin O'Connell's play-calling. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak doesn't have O'Connell's reputation, but there are some interesting pieces on Seattle's offense that could help Darnold capture the success he had in 2024.
• Can Kupp revitalize his career? When healthy, Kupp has proven that he is one of the best wide receivers in the league today. The problem is that he hasn't been as available since his career season in 2021, when he led the league in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns. He has still managed to put up at least 700 yards in each of the last three seasons, but Kupp is now 32 years old. Kupp likes the "new, but exciting" vibes in Seattle, and assuming he stays healthy, him and Darnold could make for a good pair. However, seeing as Kupp has only played a full season twice in his career, he will need to prove he can stay healthy.
• Does Lawrence still have pass rush juice? Although Lawrence's prime is behind him, he has proven he can be a solid pass-rusher throughout his career. He started in 34 consecutive games from 2022-23 and earned two Pro Bowls in the process. But, like Kupp, Lawrence is now in his early 30s and coming off a season where he only played in four games. The Seahawks clearly have confidence in his availability, which is why they gave him a three-year deal in his first NFL stint away from the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in 2014. It's unknown at this point where Lawrence will fall in the roster. He could become a starter, as he has been for most of his career, or he may end up being more of a rotational piece. Lawrence's resume has earned him the benefit of the doubt, but he will have to show his recent injury is behind him.