The Atlanta Falcons come into this game as the top seed in the NFC. But that may not be enough to peg them as favorites one day after the Broncos, who were the top seed in the AFC, lost to Baltimore.
They will take on the Seahawks, who are coming off their win in Washington. Seattle was helped in part by a hobbled and eventually injured RG3. Russell Wilson played a solid game, as he did not turn the ball over once in the game. Being a rookie, that is an impressive feat.
Seattle Seahawks
It was a known fact that RG3 was not at full strength going into last week’s game. His injury ended up overshadowing the performance of the Seahawks, but the fact is that they are the ones still alive in the playoffs.
The offense of Seattle was, and will be, carried once again by Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Wilson threw for 187 yards and added 67 more on the ground. Lynch had 132 yards and a touchdown on the ground himself. They are the main reasons for the success of the Seattle offense, which is complemented by Seattle’s terrific defense.
Counting last week’s win the Seahawks have won their past six games. They have not allowed their opponents to score over 17 points in any of these games. The most they have allowed in any game this season is 28, so the Falcons will face a tough test at home.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons come into this game off of a bye and as the top seed in the NFC, but they ended the regular season with a loss at home against Tampa Bay. Matt Ryan did play the whole game and did not turn the ball over, but the lack of a rushing attack ultimately did the Falcons in.
Matt Ryan has yet to win a playoff game in his NFL career, which is by far the biggest criticism against him. His Falcons were embarrassed by the Giants last year in a 24-2 defeat. He did not throw any interceptions, but the zero touchdowns did nothing to help the offense out.
The game will feature a strong Atlanta offense that will go up against the tough Seattle defense. It will be a close game that will come down to who avoids turnovers.
Seahawks-Falcons Prediction
The Falcons are the top team in the NFC based on their record, but they will not be able to stop the red-hot Seahawks. Atlanta will go down as the #1 seed just as the Broncos did on Saturday.
Seahawks 24 – Falcons 23
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About Steve Kubitza
Of late, I’ve noticed Quarterback, Wilson, has become more sack-able: Last game he got bagged 5 times and before he could respond to Paper? or Plastic?.