Seahawks Appear To Have Advantage Over Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks have the best record in the NFC at 8-1. A number of people are questioning whether their run defense is good enough to win the NFC however. Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons are more known for their pass rushing ability. The team may need to use a hard hitting defensive back like Brandon Browner to come up and help within the running game. The Seahawks have been impressed by the improvements made by a young linebacker like Bobby Wagner, but an experienced running back in Steven Jackson will be able to take advantage of a situation where a young player gets too excited and over runs the play, thus missing tackles.

Injuries

The Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons matchup will be interesting given the number of injuries that the Falcons have suffered this season. Harry Douglas is going to have to step up for the Falcons at the wide receiver position in order for the Falcons to have a chance. The Seahawks are going to have a harder time getting their run game going if they can’t get Russell Okung back soon at the left tackle position. The running game and the milking of the clock may become more important in the playoffs, but the Seahawks would still like to have Okung available for this contest.

Turnover Ratio

The fact that the Falcons have a turnover ratio of -7 this season is a sign that ball hawks like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas will be looking to pick off some passes in the defensive backfield. The Falcons also have to improve their pass defense that ranks near the bottom in the NFL. The fact that Sidney Rice is now out for the season does not mean that Russell Wilson will give up on throwing the football. Wilson still has options like Zach Miller to distribute the ball to. The Falcons have to get more production out of players like Jonathan Babineaux and Desmond Trufant. Atlanta truly expected them to be impact players this season. Matt Ryan and the capable offensive line of the Falcons will not give up, despite the odds. The Falcons will give this game their best effort.

Veterans

With the hamstring injury to Roddy White, the Falcons have had to depend upon a veteran tight end like Tony Gonzalez to catch a boatload of passes. Gonzalez has been up to the task. Darius Johnson has not picked up enough of the slack with elite wide outs like Julio Jones and Roddy White struggling with injuries. Injuries are a part of the game however and the Seahawks versus Falcons matchup will be competitive.

Free Pro Football Betting Pick: Seattle Seahawks