IndiaAIFounders — Seattle Seahawks Lose No. 1 Spot in NFL Power Rankings After Week 3 Loss

The Seattle Seahawks have surrendered the No. 1 spot in the latest NFL power rankings after a stunning Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. Seattle entered the week among the league’s top teams, but the 33-31 defeat exposed mistakes that proved costly in a game the Seahawks had a chance to win.

The loss dropped Seattle to 2-1 and changed the way several national rankings viewed the defending champions. After holding the top position in multiple rankings entering the week, the Seahawks now sit behind several undefeated teams, reflecting how quickly one result can reshape the early-season hierarchy. The latest rankings placed Seattle fourth in several prominent lists, with some evaluators dropping the team even farther after the unexpected setback. That movement underscores the punishment that can follow when a highly regarded team loses a game it was expected to control against an undermanned Washington opponent.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Seattle’s biggest problems came from turnovers and an ineffective running game. Sam Darnold returned from injury and threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns, but two interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six, gave Washington valuable opportunities that ultimately swung the game.

The Seahawks also struggled to establish themselves on the ground, finishing with only 44 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Rookie running back Jadarian Price added to the problems with a lost fumble, his second fumble in as many games, creating another issue for an offense that otherwise produced enough through the air to remain competitive.

Seattle Seahawks Drop From No.1 Spot in NFL Power Rankings After Week 3 LossSeattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.

Seattle went down to the fourth spot after losing their Week 3 game against the Commanders. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brady Henderson for ESPN.

Week 3 result: Lost to the Commanders 33-31
Week 3 ranking: 2
Fantasy surprise: RB Jadarian Price
Price was 25th among running backs in ADP, reflecting the fact that he was going to be part of a timeshare in Seattle’s backfield. But even with those modest expectations, the rookie first-round pick is off to an underwhelming start. He ranks 47th in fantasy points among running backs after a dud of a performance in Week 3, when he totaled 22 scrimmage yards on six touches with a lost fumble. The fumble was Price’s second in as many weeks, which was a big reason for his diminished workload.

Despite the drop in the rankings, the defeat does not erase the strong start that helped Seattle emerge as one of the league’s top teams. Darnold’s passing performance and the continued production of Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed that the offense still possesses significant firepower, while the defense has enough talent to make adjustments after a difficult afternoon.

The Seahawks now have an opportunity to respond when they return to action in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Their position in the rankings has changed, but the season is still young, and a strong response could quickly restore confidence in a team that entered the year with championship expectations.