Russell Wilson’s NFL career has been one of both dominance and reinvention. He launched into stardom with the Seattle Seahawks, defined by deep playoff runs and a Super Bowl win. After a rocky transition to Denver, Wilson aims to reclaim his elite status. But beyond the headlines, one question helps assess his career resilience: how does Wilson fare against the league’s best?
At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as those that finished the regular season .500 or better. This ensures a consistent and meaningful benchmark when evaluating quarterback performance against quality opponents.
Let’s dive into Wilson’s regular season performance in games he started against winning teams.
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Russell Wilson’s Record vs Winning Teams
Through the end of the 2024 regular season, Russell Wilson has a career record of 34–45 (.430) in regular season games against teams that finished .500 or better.
Only games where he was the starting quarterback, and against teams that finished the season at .500 or above, are included.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3–3 | Packers, Patriots, Vikings | 49ers (2x), Bears |
| 2013 | 5–1 | 49ers, Saints, Panthers | Colts |
| 2014 | 3–3 | Packers, Cardinals, Eagles | Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys |
| 2015 | 3–4 | Steelers, Cardinals, Vikings | Panthers (2x), Bengals |
| 2016 | 3–3 | Patriots, Falcons, Dolphins | Packers, Cardinals, Buccaneers |
| 2017 | 3–4 | Rams, Texans, Eagles | Falcons, Jaguars, Cardinals |
| 2018 | 3–4 | Cowboys, Panthers, Vikings | Bears, Rams, Chargers |
| 2019 | 5–2 | 49ers, Rams, Vikings, Eagles | Ravens, Saints |
| 2020 | 3–3 | Dolphins, Cardinals, Rams | Bills, Rams, Giants |
| 2021 | 1–5 | 49ers | Packers, Cardinals, Rams |
| 2022 | 0–6 | — | Chiefs (2x), 49ers, Ravens |
| 2023 | 1–3 | Browns | Dolphins, Lions, Chiefs |
| 2024 | 1–4 | Steelers | Browns, Chiefs, Ravens, Bengals |
Career Total: 34 Wins – 45 Losses (.430)
Chart: Russell Wilson vs .500+ Teams
How Wilson Stacks Up
Wilson’s .430 win percentage in these games is solid compared to many peers. During his Seattle years, especially from 2012–2020, he consistently delivered in big moments against playoff-caliber teams. His best season came in 2013, when he went 5–1 and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title.
Things changed after his move to the Broncos. The 2022 season marked a clear decline, as Denver’s offense sputtered and Wilson’s accuracy waned. Even in 2024, with a new coaching staff and some roster upgrades, he finished just 1–4 in these matchups.
Let’s compare him to other notable quarterbacks:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
- Justin Herbert: 10–26 (.278)
- Jared Goff: 24–37 (.393)
- Matthew Stafford: 33–84 (.282)
Why This Matters
Wins over struggling teams are expected. The real litmus test for any NFL quarterback is how he fares when facing teams that know how to win. These opponents are better coached, better prepared, and more difficult to exploit. Wilson’s body of work in this area shows a quarterback who was often at his best when it mattered most—until recent seasons tested that reputation.
Through 2020, Wilson had 29 wins in these games. Since then, he’s added just five more. That trend mirrors his statistical regression and declining playoff success.
Key Takeaways
- Wilson’s .430 win percentage against .500+ teams ranks among the better active QBs.
- He was especially effective in his Seattle years, with several winning seasons in tough matchups.
- Since 2021, his record has slipped, aligning with his career transition and team struggles in Denver.
Final Thoughts
Russell Wilson’s record against winning teams reflects a tale of two careers. He was elite through the 2010s, then has struggled more recently. Whether he can bounce back with consistency in 2025 and beyond will determine how his legacy is remembered.
If he can regain his Seattle-level efficiency and leadership, he’s still capable of rewriting the final chapter. The upcoming season may prove critical in that pursuit.