Summary
The Seattle Seahawks powered past the Pittsburgh Steelers with a convincing 31-17 victory at Acrisure Stadium. In what was a close encounter for three quarters, Seattle pulled away in the fourth, making the most of key turnovers and explosive plays. This win puts both sides at 1-1 and sets up key divisional tests in week 3.
Sam Darnold looked sharp for Seattle, orchestrating a balanced attack while Kenneth Walker III was relentless on the ground. For Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers led several promising drives but untimely turnovers and a devastating special teams miscue shifted momentum irreversibly to the visitors. With 66,347 in attendance and clear skies above, the Seahawks proved the stronger, deeper side as the contest wore on.
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
1st Quarter
Seattle opened the scoring, capping a methodical 65-yard drive with a Sam Darnold deep strike to Tory Horton for a 21-yard touchdown. Pittsburgh responded with two field goals from Chris Boswell, both from 48 yards, but the early edge belonged to the Seahawks, who showed early intent with 7 points to Pittsburgh’s 6.
2nd Quarter
The Steelers took control with an 8-point quarter – a long, physical 21-yard drive finished with a short Rodgers-to-Metcalf TD and successful two-point pass to Darnell Washington. Defences stepped up, including a Nick Herbig interception of Darnold, setting up another Pittsburgh field goal.
3rd Quarter
Momentum swung again as the Seahawks struck back. A 9-play, 80-yard drive was capped by Darnold’s 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner. Both sides traded punts and long possessions but only Seattle found the end zone in this period, drawing level at 14–14 heading into the final quarter.
4th Quarter
The final phase was all about conversions and sudden shifts. Jason Myers hit a 54-yard field goal to put the Seahawks ahead, but the special teams units made the difference: a muffed Steelers kickoff return gifted George Holani a fumble recovery touchdown for Seattle. Walker III added a 19-yard TD rush, and a late Rodgers INT sealed the verdict as Seattle closed with 17 points to Pittsburgh’s 3 in Q4.
Key Player Observations
Sam Darnold (SEA, QB): Managed the game with efficiency, spreading passes across the field and expertly exploiting soft zones, especially when pressure arrived. Touchdown throws to Horton and Barner were both perfectly timed, and crucially he avoided sacks on long-developing plays until late.
Kenneth Walker III (SEA, RB): Reliable throughout, he broke key tackles and iced the contest with a 19-yard touchdown run (Q4). His chunk gains up the middle and extra effort on third downs kept drives alive and the Steelers’ defence honest.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA, WR): Showed off his yards-after-catch ability, highlighted by a 43-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter setting up the clinching score.
Aaron Rodgers (PIT, QB): Started sharply—quick rhythm passes, especially to Jaylen Warren out of the backfield, kept the Steelers moving. But as the protection frayed, two late interceptions and a crucial fumble proved costly. Pittsburgh’s offense sputtered in the red zone under intense pressure from Julian Love and the Seahawks’ linebackers.
Jaylen Warren (PIT, RB): A lone bright spot, tallying several chunk plays and leading Pittsburgh’s ground and receiving game with a resilient, physical style—even breaking loose for a 65-yard gain that set up a deep red zone opportunity.
Defensive notes: Nick Herbig (PIT) and Payton Wilson (PIT) made plays in the backfield but were forced into extended coverage as Seattle stretched the defence wide. Jalen Ramsey (PIT) snagged a key first-half interception but couldn’t stem the tide in the final quarter. On the Seahawks side, Julian Love (SEA) shadowed short routes and delivered timely tackles; Derick Hall (SEA) pressured Rodgers into hurried, inaccurate throws.
Turning Points & Key Events
- Special Teams Catastrophe (Q4): With the Steelers trailing by just three points, a muffed Pittsburgh kickoff was instantly converted into a touchdown by George Holani. This was the game’s pivotal moment, as it pushed Seattle two scores clear and broke Pittsburgh’s resolve.
- Walker’s Breakaway (Q4): Kenneth Walker III’s 19-yard touchdown run—bouncing outside through contact—sealed momentum for Seattle and showcased the O-line’s improvement late on.
- Red Zone Reversals: Pittsburgh threatened multiple times but were forced into field goals by stiff defending from Boye Mafe and Julian Love. Their inability to finish drives let Seattle hang around and ultimately overhaul them in Q4.
- Late-Game Turnovers: Aaron Rodgers’ two late INTs, one deep in Seahawks territory and the second via Coby Bryant’s athletic play, smothered Pittsburgh’s last hopes.
Next Games & Paddy Power / Sky Bet Angles
Both teams face pivotal fixtures in gameweek 3:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: visit the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium (Sunday, 21 September, 18:00 BST). Can Rodgers and co recover their red zone poise?
Bet with Paddy Power and Sky Bet on the Steelers’ bounce-back or Patriots defence to lock them down. - Seattle Seahawks: return home to host the New Orleans Saints at Lumen Field (Sunday, 21 September, 21:05 BST). Darnold and Walker will fancy their chances of exploiting a Saints defence that struggled against the pass last season.
Back the Seahawks with Paddy Power or Sky Bet.
Final Word
This was a matchup defined by momentum and late-game discipline. Seattle’s resilience and playcalling in the fourth quarter gave them the edge. Pittsburgh’s early red zone failures and damaging special teams error leave plenty to address before their next trip. For bettors on Paddy Power and Sky Bet, the Saints and Patriots games offer contrasting profiles—and the opportunity to build custom NFL multis as both teams adjust for week 3.
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