Aug 9, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) carries the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Comeback is previewing all 32 NFL teams from worst to first leading up to the start of the 2018 regular season on Sept. 6. Up next in our preseason rankings are the reeling Seattle Seahawks.

2017 in a nutshell: Hit hard by injuries, the defense fails to perform at an elite level and the offense struggles to support star quarterback Russell Wilson as the Seahawks miss the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

What’s different: Brian Schottenheimer takes over for Darrell Bevell as offensive coordinator, Ken Norton Jr. takes over for Kris Richard as defensive coordinator, and defensive leaders Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Michael Bennett are gone.

Why they could be awesome: Wilson is a perennial MVP candidate.

Why they could suck: There’s not much else to this team at this point.

Major additions: Schottenheimer, Norton, wide receivers Jaron Brown and Brandon Marshall, first-round running back Rashaad Penny, fifth-round linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

Major losses: Sherman, Chancellor, Bennett, receiver Paul Richardson, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and tight end Jimmy Graham.

Breakout watch: Shaquem Griffin’s twin brother Shaquill might have the ability to fill Sherman’s shoes after showing significant progress as a rookie in 2017. Look for him to at least become a solid No. 1 corner at the age of 23.

Position to watch: They’ve slowly been building up the offensive line, but the running game will also have to get better in order for the offense to finally fully support Wilson. Penny looks the part after putting together a monster senior season at San Diego State, but they’re also getting Chris Carson back. The 2017 seventh-round pick averaged a solid 4.2 yards per rush early last season before going down with leg and ankle injuries.

Prediction: Wilson and a revamped running game can keep them in contention, especially if the Rams come back to earth and the 49ers aren’t ready to rock just yet. But this team just doesn’t have enough talent to win playoff games in the NFC.

7-9, 3rd place in the NFC West

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com, a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at CBSSports.com, Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Comeback Media, but his day gig has him covering the NFL nationally for Bleacher Report.