Seattle Seahawks: San Francisco 49ers Are Likely Playoff Opponent
By Todd Pheifer
Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
I’ll keep this simple. The Seattle Seahawks may face the San Francisco 49ers for a third time this season.
First things, first. The 49ers must head to chilly Lambeau Field and beat the Green Bay Packers. In addition, the Philadelphia Eagles have to beat the New Orleans Saints in front of the angry fans in Philly.
Both scenarios seem reasonably likely. If each result happens, the NFL will have their dream battle between Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick yet again.
These scenarios may happen because the Packers and Saints both have issues.
Specifically, the Packers may be the worst division winner this season at 8-7-1. When you look at the Green Bay schedule, it is not filled with quality wins and the Packers were only 4-3-1 at home this season. The Packers may have pulled off a dramatic win over the Chicago Bears to win the division, but the NFC North is not exactly stacked this year.
New Orleans is one of the three teams that went undefeated at home this season, but they are a subpar 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Eagles are a strange team in that they are 4-4 at home and 6-2 at the road. However, Philadelphia has won four straight at home and seven of eight overall to close the season. Plus, it won’t exactly be pleasant weather this weekend on the east coast.
Now, there are obviously possibilities with both of these games. Perhaps the return of Aaron Rodgers and the legendary aura of Lambeau will inspire the Pack to overcome a San Francisco team that is far superior in terms of talent. In addition, it may be that Drew Brees and the Saints will be able to overcome their road woes and win their most important away game of the season.
Regardless, it should be an interesting weekend for the NFC.
Is facing the 49ers again a desirable matchup for the Seahawks? Not exactly. On paper it would be better to face Green Bay or New Orleans at CenturyLink Field. However, it seemed likely that it would eventually come to this. With apologies to Return of the Jedi, the Seahawks must defeat the 49ers in the playoffs if they are going to finally become a Jedi. Such a battle may be the destiny of the ‘Hawks.
For those of you scoring at home, are the 49ers the Darth Vader character in this scenario? They are. You catch on quick.
Enjoy Wild Card Weekend. The Seahawks will be watching film, getting healthy and waiting for their next opponent.
49ers versus Seahawks, Part III? Call it a likely scenario.