Eagles vs. Seahawks wild card preview and predictions

I genuinely believe the Philadelphia Eagles are going to beat the Seattle Seahawks today. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.

Typing that feels a little strange because usually I never feel good about the Eagles playing the Seahawks. This team has had Philly’s number. Conquering Russell Wilson feels impossible.

And yet, I just don’t think the Eagles have come from the depths of 5-7 to lose a home playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field. This team’s story isn’t over just yet.

My confidence goes beyond a sense of destiny. It ultimately stems back to the two most critical pillars of a successful football team: head coach and quarterback. Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz have been operating a high level heading into the postseason.

Pederson especially inspires a sense of calm since he’s been here before. Pederson’s Eagles 4-1 in five playoff games with a point differential of +31. The team is undefeated against the spread in those matchups. Pederson can be reliably counted on to come out with a good game plan and give the Eagles an edge with his aggressiveness.

Wentz, meanwhile, is new to the playoff stage. But he isn’t new to pressure situations after leading the Eagles to victories in four straight must-win games over the last month. I feel pretty confident that he’s not going to turn the ball over four times like he did when he last played the Seahawks. Coming off a hot December, Wentz will be better this time around.

Jim Schwartz’s defense should be able to make this game winnable. The Eagles have allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL when playing at Lincoln Financial Field since 2016. The defense made Wilson look mortal the last time these two teams played so I know they have it in them.

It’s not going to be easy. Teams rarely blow out the Seahawks. Pete Carroll is a successful head coach and Wilson is going to keep his team in almost every game.

But I think the Eagles are up to the challenge. The injuries don’t matter as much when you account for this team’s resilience. You can reasonably expect them to find a way to get it done.

The Eagles have been at their best when they’ve been the underdogs. That’s no different today.

They’re going to win this game and advance to the divisional round.

For more, check out BGN’s weekly NFL game predictions and our NFL picks against the spread.

Suggested format:

Score prediction:

Bold prediction:

My predictions:

Score prediction: 24 to 20, Eagles win.

Bold prediction: Shelton Gibson scores a touchdown.

Your predictions:

Leave your own score predictions in the comments.