The 2022 NFL season is surprising for Seattle Seahawks fans and league experts alike. 

Geno Smith and the NFC West No. 1 Seahawks (5-3) look better than Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos (3-5) through eight weeks following what may be an infamous trade.

The Seahawks are the most fun version of themselves in years. It’s not because they sold high on Russell Wilson or because Geno Smith is somehow turning into a top-10 quarterback.

Seattle is fun because of the lack of expectations for them going into the season.

Since the unfortunate Super Bowl 49, Seahawks fans held onto postseason hope with an electrifying but inconsistent quarterback and rosters that were always good enough to be a cusp team but never Super Bowl-caliber like the squads of 2013 and 2014.

But as they say in “Ted Lasso,” “It’s the hope that kills you.”

And it is true! Look at your friends who are Cowboys or Packers fans; they are some of the most miserable people you will meet. It is because they think every season is their year. 

So for the 12s, 2022 isn’t your year, so enjoy it.

The Seahawks are in a moderate rebuild. Here is how to watch them for the remainder of the season.

This season Seahawk fans are able to see a free Shane Waldron’s offense run as it should.  Also watching young players progress. 

If you love an underdog story, root for Geno Smith. After throwing for more than 11,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns in four years at West Virginia, the New York Jets selected the quarterback in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.

After starting and struggling for two seasons with an abysmal franchise, Smith spent six seasons as a backup with the Jets, Giants and Chargers before regaining a starting role for the Seahawks in 2022.

“They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though,” Smith said after he led Seattle to a 17-16 Monday night victory over the Denver Broncos and his predecessor, Russell Wilson. 

Smith is playing with his head on fire and you can see it rubbing off on his teammates. 

Through eight weeks, Seattle’s 2022 draft class looks incredible. Rookie tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas have allowed only six sacks combined, fifth-round corner Tariq Woolen has four interceptions and running back Kenneth Walker III looks like he can win people some fantasy leagues this year. 

The Seahawks have the foundational pieces, at reasonable prices, to make a Super Bowl run in the coming years. 

If Seattle can build up the defense with better edge rushers and defensive tackles through next offseason and keep Geno Smith under a relatively cheap contract or drop in a talented rookie, they could become the team to beat in the NFC.

But for now, enjoy watching this well-run organization rebuild and grow.