Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons: Latest Odds and Statistics
By Paul Taylor
As the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons prepare to clash in the Divisional round of the playoffs, we look at the latest odds and statistics.
Back in Week 7, I watched the Seattle Seahawks‘ brutal but absorbing 6-6 tie with the Arizona Cardinals at the Silver Dollar Casino in Seatac. It’s fair to say after sitting through five quarters of action, I was ever so slightly inebriated.
Regardless, I remember telling a few of my fellow patrons that the tie would be significant for the Seahawks, come the end of the season. What I didn’t know, is if it would help or hinder them.
Well, now we know. Due to the tie — which I still believe was the fairest result, given how the two defenses performed that night — Pete Carroll’s team has to face the Falcons in Atlanta, rather than Seattle.
As a result, Odds Shark have the Seahawks +5 against the spread at the time of writing. In theory though this plays into their hands, given how well they usually respond to being overlooked and/or underrated.
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In some respects, making the Falcons favorites is understandable. After all, they led the NFL in scoring, while also averaging the second-most yards during the regular season.
Additionally, Atlanta kept in close in Seattle back in Week 6, coming away on the short end of a 26-24 scoreline. Throw in that Matt Ryan shredded the opposing secondary for 335 yards with Earl Thomas in the lineup, and it will certainly be a tough task for the Seahawks.
Here’s the thing though – the Falcons aren’t exactly a powerhouse at home, having gone 5-3 at the Georgia Dome this season. In addition, their defense is vulnerable, as evidenced by ranking 25th and 27th respectively, in yards and points allowed.
The case is often made that history counts for little, when it comes to games such as this. Regardless, the Seahawks are 10-5 all-time against the Falcons, including 5-3 on the road.
Of course, in respect of more recent history, people will point towards the only previous playoff meeting between these two teams during the 2012 season. After making a valiant comeback in the second half, the Seahawks had victory snatched from them at the death, as they lost 30-28.
For what it’s worth, the Hawks returned to the scene of the crime the following season. The result was a dominating 33-10 victory, on their way to the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
As a final consideration, neither team is particularly successful, when it comes to playing in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Seahawks are 4-7 all-time, while the Falcons are 3-5 (although all three of their wins have come at home).
Overall, I expect Saturday’s game will be a closely contested affair, which will go to the wire. Just don’t ask me to predict if the Seahawks will do enough to advance to the NFC Championship game.
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What’s your prediction for the Division game between the Seahawks and Falcons? Who do you think will win, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.