:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44289040/usa-today-8246585.0.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles have won 10 games in a row at home. If the Eagles walk away with 11 in a row on Sunday evening, they will have earned it. The Seattle Seahawks are a major threat to Philadelphia's streak. Las Vegas has listed this game as a pick 'em.
The Seahawks have played well in recent weeks. They are 5-1 in their last six games. Their vaunted defense ranks near the top of the league when it comes to limiting points and yards. The reigning Super Bowl champions will be very tough to beat. With that said, they are far from unbeatable.
Seattle's defense versus Philadelphia's offense is the main storyline to keep an eye on. It's Pete Carroll versus Chip Kelly. The Eagles offense has look alive in recent weeks and is coming off a good performance against Dallas, red zone struggles aside. Seattle has stated they are not concerned with Philadelphia's fast pace. Perhaps they should be. The Eagles run their offense 33% faster than the offenses that the Seahawks defense has faced so far. Another stat to consider: the Eagles run a play every 22.8 seconds, which is the fastest rate in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks run a play every 30.8 seconds, which is the slowest in the NFL. Look for the Eagles to push the tempo in this one.
Philadelphia's defense will have the test of stopping Marshawn Lynch and containing Russell Wilson. The Eagles have fared well against the run so there's some reason for optimism there. Wilson will have to avoid a Philadelphia pass rush that has done a very good job of generating pressure on quarterbacks while playing at home. The Seahawks won't be able to beat the Eagles in a shootout. They simply lack the firepower to keep up. Seattle hasn't scored more than 27 points on the road all season. Meanwhile, the Eagles have scored at least 27 points in all of their home games.
This is said every week, but special teams could factor into this game. Controlling field position will be critical if this one turns into a battles of the defenses.
It's a huge game with a post-season atmosphere. Two of the NFC's best teams will be battling it out for potential playoff seeding. The winner of this game really helps their chances of earning a first round bye.
What do you think? Will the Eagles come out on top?
...
Suggested format:
Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: Eagles 27, Seattle Seahawks 23
Bold prediction: