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Earlier today, Wes Hanson got some solid discussion going about the Seattle Seahawks' big moves this offseason. It turned out to be especially timely in light of the new NFL power rankings ESPN released today. ESPN posted pre-draft power rankings, and the Seahawks find themselves at No. 1, with our 49ers at No. 2.
NFL power rankings are primarily meant as a tool to generate discussion. This much we know. That being said, Mike Sando made a good point about the perception involved with power rankings. The NFL is currently working on the 2013 schedule, with it likely to be released in mid-April before the draft. With the 49ers and Seahawks trading blows in the offseason market, they have become two of the more high profile teams in the league.
In looking at this perception, Sando suggests the NFL should strongly consider matching up the 49ers and Seahawks in a nationally televised game the first week of the season.
While it seems obvious these two teams will meet up on national television at least once this year, could they get one of those season-opener primetime games? They will not be in the Thursday opener since that traditionally involves the Super Bowl champions. However, there are three slots for primetime action, with one on Sunday Night Football and two more on Monday Night Football. I would much prefer the SNF slot because MNF with these two teams could very likely be the later game on the schedule.
Both the 49ers and Seahawks are likely going to get a large number of primetime games. They are strong teams with now high profile quarterbacks in Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson. Furthermore, both play highly entertaining brands of football. You just know the NFL is going to jump on that in primetime.