And then there were eight! The Divisional round of the 2017 NFL postseason kicks off today in Atlanta, GA in a rematch of a 2016 NFL Week 6 nail biter. Today the NFC South Champion Atlanta Falcons host the NFC West Champion Seattle Seahawks in a battle of the birds.
The Atlanta Falcons finished the year with a record of (11-5) and in his second year as their head coach, former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has the Falcons in the postseason. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is having a MVP season and that must continue today if the Falcons hope to advance.
Today I expect the Falcons offense to hit a slight wall. The Falcons have been rolling all year long scoring at a rapid pace but I believe the Seahawks will slow that down today. Look for Matt Ryan to have a good game throwing for over 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Falcons running game won’t be as strong as we have seen it over the past few weeks. Falcons running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman will rush for a combined 120 yards and may not get a touchdown on the ground. The Falcons offense won’t be the biggest issue of the game, it will be the defense. Dan Quinn is building something special with the Falcons defense but their are several rookies and second year starters on defense who will be performing on their biggest stage ever today. How they respond will be the difference in the game.
The Seattle Seahawks finished the year at (10-5-1) earning them a home game in the Wild Card of the 2017 NFL postseason. The Seahawks handled their business last week defeating the Detroit Lions (26-6) and now they face their former coach, Dan Quinn. The Seahawks haven’t looked like the dominant team we have come to know over the years but injuries played a huge part in that. Seattle’s running back crew has been battling injuries all year and All-Pro safety Earl Thomas’ lower leg injury has several so called NFL experts doubting if the Seahawks can make it back to the Super Bowl.
Today I expect the Seahawks to control the flow of the game and prove to the world, never doubt the heart of a champion. Look for Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to have a career day against the young Falcons defense. Wilson will throw for over 300 yards including 3 touchdowns. Thomas Rawls and the Seahawks rushing game will be strong enough to keep the play action pass plays rolling and open the field for tight end Jimmy Graham. Jimmy Graham is a former New Orleans Saints star and is very familiar with facing the Falcons, Falcons fans and playing at the Georgia Dome. Graham will account for two of Wilson’s touchdown passes today.
Seattle’s defense is missing a key piece with Earl Thomas out but they still suit up enough all-pro talent with Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner on the field playing. Today I think the last game at the Georgia Dome won’t result in a victory for the home team. I like the Seattle today. Stay tuned to HHS1987 for more news. Follow @eldorado2452 on Twitter and Instagram for all your NFL and sports news.
Seahawks 27 Falcons 20
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