Prediction Time - No. 5 Seahawks vs. No. 4 Eagles (1 Viewer)

[rockaction]

I've got Seattle. Lynch has another week to get into football shape, even though running on Philly hasn't been the way to get it done this year, at least for half of it.

Seattle is 4 DVOA ranks ahead of Philly. They also just look better than a banged up team.

Seattle was this close from being a one seed. People are forgetting they were an a few plays from OT last night and 13-3. God, how the mob moves!

 

[Interseptopus]

I've got Seattle. Lynch has another week to get into football shape, even though running on Philly hasn't been the way to get it done this year, at least for half of it.

Seattle is 4 DVOA ranks ahead of Philly. They also just look better than a banged up team.

Seattle was this close from being a one seed. People are forgetting they were an a few plays from OT last night and 13-3. God, how the mob moves!

2 seed, but point taken. Obviously their record puts them more deserving of a home gave than Philly, but they ended up about where they should have

 

[rockaction]

2 seed

Ugh. I forget which seed they would have had. My bad. San Francisco would have slid into the five seed regardless, but GB would have been one if SF lost, so Seattle actually would have been three by overall record.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

People are forgetting they were an a few plays from OT last night and 13-3. God, how the mob moves!

Well, they were a few plays from a win since it was 26-21, so a TD puts them up 2.  So OT would have been a long shot.  

that said, who’s to say if they’d scored quickly (recall that Wilson badly overthrew the TE after the 2 min warning) the Niners wouldn’t have been able to get a FG? 

at that point The Niners would have had 2 time-outs, and ~1:45 to get within 30 yards for a 47 yard kick? 

i’m just sayin - we can slice and dice what might have happened all night. One could also ask “what if” the Niners hadn’t been jobbed by the phantom DPI & the ridiculous personal foul on the C that put them in 3rd & forever.  Had that not happened it’s 3rd & 2 instead of 3rd & 17, Niners probably covert & it’s game over. 

Yes, Seattle almost made a heroic comeback. But that game wasn’t as close as the final score IMO. For all the complaining about a missed DPI at the end, long before that Seattle got a lot of help from the refs, as they often seem to do at home. 

 

[Bossman]

Eagles? 

lol ... the NFC East did not deserve to have a representative in the playoffs this year.

Worst division in football.

SEA by a lot.

SEA 34 // PHI 23

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

 But that game wasn’t as close as the final score IMO. 

Seattle won time of possession by 6 minutes and first downs 27 to 18.  San Francisco outgained Seattle by 50 yards. 

 

[Interseptopus]

Seattle won time of possession by 6 minutes and first downs 27 to 18.  San Francisco outgained Seattle by 50 yards. 

And Seattle still lost. That's how bad they played. HSG is correct in his assessment of the game. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

And Seattle still lost. That's how bad they played. HSG is correct in his assessment of the game. 

Thanks. Talk of TOP rings pretty hollow considering how fast the Niners went downfield & scored. Those drives were just devastatingly effective, so time of possession seems kinda meaningless when evaluating how each team played. 

 

[tjnc09]

2 seed, but point taken. Obviously their record puts them more deserving of a home gave than Philly, but they ended up about where they should have

The best they could have done after NO and GB won earlier was a three seed.

 

[Deamon]

Eagles have been underdogs for their first playoff game for the 3rd year in a row.  They upset the favourite the first two times, so never know.

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

And Seattle still lost.  

Indeed.  They lost a very close game as evidenced by objective measures and actual metrics.  

 

[Deamon]

Eagles have been underdogs for their first playoff game for the 3rd year in a row.  They upset the favourite the first two times, so never know.

Re-looking at this, they have actually been underdogs in EVERY playoff game Doug has coached (this will be #6).  He is 4-1 in these games heading into this week.

 

[-OZ-]

eagles have shown surprising depth. Goedart is more than capable as an Ertz fill-in, and Boston Scott is an above average receiving back. Just because you don’t know the names of their weapons doesn’t mean they don’t have any weapons. 

I’m not sure I agree with the bolded. Wentz in my opinion is as good as any QB in the game right now. He’s been playing at a very high level. He makes good reads, has a strong arm & is able to avoid sacks and extend plays (very much like Wilson).

no question the Seahawks have better WRs, but they’ll likely be a bit one dimensional since the Eagles arw capable it shutting down the run. And the eagles pass rush has an easier job with the blindside tackle now downgraded to doubtful. they may have too much Cox for the Seahawks to take.   

TE I’d say is =

Philly is arguably better on the ground at this point (line health, quality of RB).

Maybe - maybe not. A BYE week is going to do wonders for the health of the 49ers defense. If they can get their banged up players healthy, I’d put them in the Pepsi challenge against any of the AFC teams. Heck, in a torrential downpour, missing their starting TE, FB & best OL player they took a full-strength Baltimore team down to the wire, in Baltimore. You can’t tell me the Ravens are that much better than the Niners, and I see the Ravens as the best team in the NFL by a stitch. Niners are more compete than KC as well.

one thing’s for sure - this is a great year for the playoffs, and I can’t remember a recent season with so much depth in post-season FF drafts!  (Mine’s Friday night) 

We know the names, but they just aren't as good as their preferred starters.

Wentz has been good, just not as good as Wilson. OL will matter. 

There's not much of an argument, Philly is better on the ground. 

When I wrote "right now" I meant if they played today. The bye is huge.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I think this is the week the Seahawks finally took one hit too many.

losing a premier linebacker and your starting left tackle is two more straws on that camels back for sure.

I think they’re a team that plays with an awful lot of heart and a significant amount of talent to boot, but let’s be honest - the only reason we’re having this extensive of a discussion is the perception that the Eagles aren’t very good.
 

From what I’ve seen the last few weeks, the Eagles should have enough to beat the Seahawks. I think people are overlooking Philadelphia a little bit here, and vastly overlooking home-field advantage.

I’m leaning towards the Eagles in this one also but bear in mind the last few weeks where they’ve looked good have all been close games against their horrific NFC East division rivals (NYGx2, WAS, DAL). 

 

[Rubi]

I'll take Wilson over Wentz

Seattle by 6

 

[unckeyherb]

Eagles 28-17.  Last time they played, Carson had the worst game, probably, of his career and Seattle barely won.  Carson is playing out of his mind right now and while they are a mash unit, so is Seattle.  I think our defense eats up on Sunday and we keep rolling.  

One thing I’ve learned from this team, never bet against them when they are home dogs. 

 

[Todem]

Wilson over Wentz.

Seahawks 27

Eagles 20

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

Eagles 28-17.  Last time they played, Carson had the worst game, probably, of his career 

  If I remember correctly, it was very windy and both QBs overthrew wide open receivers in the red zone. That was Wilson's worst game of the season.  That game came down to running and defense.  Both QBs will likely play better this time around

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I’m leaning towards the Eagles in this one also but bear in mind the last few weeks where they’ve looked good have all been close games against their horrific NFC East division rivals (NYGx2, WAS, DAL). 

I have a hard time calling Dallas a horrific team. They’re Jekyll  & Hyde. The talent is there defensively, they’ve shown they can be good on offense. 

had Philly not beaten Dallas in a must-win for Dallas id take them a little less seriously. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

When I wrote "right now" I meant if they played today. The bye is huge.

Well why would they play on a Tuesday with 2 days rest? 
  

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Hawks easy, best bet of the weekend. The eagles shouldnt be in the playoffs.

Not saying they’re the 85 Bears, but who should be in if not the eagles? Every team below them in both conferences was trash this year.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I've got Seattle. Lynch has another week to get into football shape, even though running on Philly hasn't been the way to get it done this year, at least for half of it.

Seattle is 4 DVOA ranks ahead of Philly. They also just look better than a banged up team.

Seattle was this close from being a one seed. People are forgetting they were an a few plays from OT last night and 13-3. God, how the mob moves!

Sure but Seattle was a mixed bag in the regular season against other teams that made the playoffs. Lost to Ravens and Saints. Split with 49ers. Beat Eagles and Vikings. The current line seems about right as this game should be a coin flip. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Sure but Seattle was a mixed bag in the regular season against other teams that made the playoffs. Lost to Ravens and Saints. Split with 49ers. Beat Eagles and Vikings. The current line seems about right as this game should be a coin flip. 

Agree - and in a coin flip I usually take the home team. 

I also see a lot of $ on seattle. Vegas isn’t in the business of losing. Feels like giving PHI points is luring people in.

Ackbar: “it’s a trap!”

/Ackbar

 

[TwinTurbo]

Agree - and in a coin flip I usually take the home team. 

I also see a lot of $ on seattle. Vegas isn’t in the business of losing. Feels like giving PHI points is luring people in.

Ackbar: “it’s a trap!”

/Ackbar

I won't bet this game as it could go  either way. But in DFS, I'm all in on Wentz stacks with Lockett on the other side. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I won't bet this game as it could go  either way. But in DFS, I'm all in on Wentz stacks with Lockett on the other side. 

I like Eagles + points, but I love, LOVE, the over. Neither of these teams are good against the pass.  45.5 seems extremely do-able. 

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

The total points in the previous contest was 26.  

 The Seahawks have sorely been missing Quandre Diggs in the two games he's been out with a high-ankle sprain.

Seattle lost both contests and didn't force a turnover in either. That came on the heels of a five-game stretch where the Seahawks had at least two takeaways with Diggs patrolling their secondary.

The good news is that Diggs is expected to make his return in the Wildcard Round against the Philadelphia Eagles. Diggs had a positive workout prior to the game on Sunday that has everyone feeling optimistic.

Diggs had two tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in Seattle's win against the Eagles in Week 12. He also has three interceptions in his five games with the Seahawks.
As I alluded to earlier, the safety play for Seattle is pretty abysmal (or atrocious even) without Diggs on the field. Secondary play was a lot better when he's played.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Not saying they’re the 85 Bears, but who should be in if not the eagles? Every team below them in both conferences was trash this year.

This is a really good point that I hadn’t considered.  There isn’t really a team left out of the playoffs where you think “wow they got screwed”.  After these 12 playoff teams, the remaining teams are all very flawed.  

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

This is a really good point that I hadn’t considered.  There isn’t really a team left out of the playoffs where you think “wow they got screwed”.  After these 12 playoff teams, the remaining teams are all very flawed.  

I’m not even sure the Eagles are the worst team in the playoffs.  I like the Bills but the Eagles did beat them in Buffalo, and I think it’s a wash at worst vs Houston with how up and down they’ve been this year.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I’m not even sure the Eagles are the worst team in the playoffs.  I like the Bills but the Eagles did beat them in Buffalo, and I think it’s a wash at worst vs Houston with how up and down they’ve been this year.

In terms of odds to win it all, they're ahead of Buffalo and tied with Houston and Tennessee.  

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I’m not even sure the Eagles are the worst team in the playoffs.  I like the Bills but the Eagles did beat them in Buffalo, and I think it’s a wash at worst vs Houston with how up and down they’ve been this year.

Houston is just impossible to predict. schitzo offense, defense is a mess - even word that Watt is active says nothing since he could go out at any time.   

 

[unckeyherb]

Don’t sleep on the birds.  They have a shot to make a decent run.  If they can beat Seattle, which I think they will, they will get desean back for the second game.  It’s hard to state how much of a game-changer that will be to this offense.  

 

[Gachi]

I fully expect SEA to beat us pretty bad. However, whatever mental blocks Wentz had earlier this season seem to be gone. He has been playing well the last 3 weeks. 

Also it’s significant that this is Wentz’s first postseason game. The legendary Nick Foles has been the starting QB going into the post season the last two seasons. Hope Wentz isn’t a choker. 
 

30-17 SEA

 

[fred_1_15301]

Don’t sleep on the birds.  They have a shot to make a decent run.  If they can beat Seattle, which I think they will, they will get desean back for the second game.  It’s hard to state how much of a game-changer that will be to this offense.  

If the Eagles win this weekend, who are the starting WRs in round 2?  Who hits the bench?  Desean may be a game-changer but I'm still a little skeptical given that he hasn't seen the field in 13-14 weeks?  The young guys are doing great and would hate to see anything break up that chemistry.  

 

[IheartGuinness]

Don’t sleep on the birds.   

I think that's fair to say. I bet the birds win this one. 

 

[Insein]

If the Eagles win this weekend, who are the starting WRs in round 2?  Who hits the bench?  Desean may be a game-changer but I'm still a little skeptical given that he hasn't seen the field in 13-14 weeks?  The young guys are doing great and would hate to see anything break up that chemistry.  

Desean is outside. Robert Davis to the bench. That's pretty easy. 

 

[unckeyherb]

Desean is outside. Robert Davis to the bench. That's pretty easy. 

Yep this.  And Nelson doesn’t play regardless of availability.

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

I fully expect SEA to beat us pretty bad. However, whatever mental blocks Wentz had earlier this season seem to be gone. He has been playing well the last 3 weeks. 

Also it’s significant that this is Wentz’s first postseason game. The legendary Nick Foles has been the starting QB going into the post season the last two seasons. Hope Wentz isn’t a choker. 
 

30-17 SEA

As a hawk fan, I'm hoping for a 3 point differential.  If someone wins by double digits, it's probably not going to be the hawks.  

 

[fred_1_15301]

As a hawk fan, I'm hoping for a 3 point differential.  If someone wins by double digits, it's probably not going to be the hawks.  

Nobody is winning by double digits.  It’s coming down to last drive.  Stone cold lock

 

[unckeyherb]

Disagree.  I think we own this game..

 

[unckeyherb]

Also happy new year!!

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

 Seattle is atrocious on the ground. 

I'll eat some crow here.  I thought Seattle might be decent on the ground.  Outside of Wilson's scrambles; they were most definitely atrocious today. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

McCown finished the game with a torn hamstring.  Surgery and a 6 month rehab to follow.  Had to be in a lot of pain, but still moved around a lot on the final drive.  Baller.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

McCown finished the game with a torn hamstring.  Surgery and a 6 month rehab to follow.  Had to be in a lot of pain, but still moved around a lot on the final drive.  Baller.

Should make him a local legend.