The Seahawks matched their 9–8 record from the previous year, but unlike 2022, it was not enough to qualify for the playoffs, as they finished in third place in the division behind the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, and in a three-way tie with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints for the last Wild Card spot, which the Packers claimed on a strength of victory tiebreaker.

Despite a 5–2 start, key injuries to Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker III, DK Metcalf, and Devon Witherspoon, and poor defensive play led to the Seahawks losing five of their next six.

On March 26, 2023, the Seahawks resigned longtime linebacker Bobby Wagner, who played for the Los Angeles Rams during the previous season, for a second stint with the team.

The Seahawks were favored to win the matchup against the division rival Los Angeles Rams, as they were looking to return to competition following an injury-plagued season the year prior.

The Rams' roster had also shown notable signs of decline with such offseason departures of players including Jalen Ramsey and Taylor Rapp.

Seattle started the first half strong as the Rams' offense found minor difficulties in converting on first downs despite managing a touchdown from rookie running back Kyren Williams to finish the first quarter leading at 7-3.

During the first quarter, Metcalf began trading insults with the Rams' sidelines, leading him to land an illegal hit on Los Angeles' cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after the play, infuriating Sean McVay after no flag was thrown.

[6][7] The Rams' running backs had also managed an impressive showing as Kyren Williams and Cam Akers combined for 81 yards and three touchdowns.

Seattle entered their second matchup against the rival-Rams boasting a 6-3 record while the Rams struggled mightily as they limped into the game following 3 straight losses.

Despite a lone touchdown to start the game; the Seahawks' offense became increasingly overwhelmed by the Rams' defense as they only managed two additional field goals to end the first half.

[8] Both sides continued to grow increasingly hostile with each other after rookie Cornerback Devon Witherspoon dealt a violent Suplex tackle on Rams' wide receiver Austin Trammell.

[9][10] The Rams' steadily cut the lead down to 2 points headed into the end of the fourth quarter, even managing a critical interception thrown by Lock.