The first game in the NFL Divisional Round offers the #3 Seattle Seahawks at #2 Atlanta Falcons. Our Seattle plays Atlanta NFL divisional free pick will kickoff at 4:35 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Seahawks got to this game by beating the wild card Detroit Lions 26-6. The Lions had been on a downward spiral when they came to Seattle. The Falcons, who got a bye in the first week, come into this game rested and ready to go. They dominated the NFC South and ended the season winning four straight.
Seattle Offense vs. Falcons Defense
The Seattle Seahawks don’t score many points. They averaged 22.1 PPG during the regular season. QB Russell Wilson (64.7 COMP%, 21 TDs, 11 INTs, 41 Sacks) offers adequate passing skills and brings solid playoff experience at the highest level. The Seahawks have a decent rush attack that features Christine Michael (117 ATT, 469 YDs, 4.0 AVG, 6 TDs). News is running back C.J. Prosise my return from an injury that’s kept him out for weeks. Before being injured, he was averaging 5.7 YPG.
Wilson’s two primary pass receivers are WR Doug Baldwin (94 REC, 1,128 YDs, 12.0 AVG, 7 TDs) and TE Jimmy Graham (65 REC, 923 YDs, 14.2 AVG, 6 TDs). If he can connect with them , the Seahawks will have a chance to out some substantial points on the board.
The Falcon defense is allowing opponents 25.4 PPG. However, in four of their last five regular season wins, they held teams to 15.5 PPG. They offer a solid pass defense that has made 12 picks and defended 85 passes. The squad has also forced 17 fumbles, recovering 10. They have also posed 34 sacks and 45 TFL. LB Vic Beasley Jr. (15.5 Sacks, 4 TFL, 2 PD, 6 FF) is a massive presence and a real game-changer. LB Deion Jones (11 PD, 3 INTs) is the team’s top tackler with 75 solo stops and 108 total bring downs. Safety Keanu Neal (72 TCKL, 106 TOT TCKL) has five forced fumbles and eight passes defended.
Atlanta Offense vs. Seahawks Defense
No NFL team scored more points in 2016-17 than the Falcons. Averaging 33.8 PPG, the team delivers a solid offensive performance in the air and on the ground. QB Matt Ryan (69.9 COMP%, 38 TDs, 7 INTs, 37 Sacks) has had an impressive season. He’s got a full group of pass catchers to toss to, including Julio Jones (83 REC, 1,409 YDs, 17.0 AVG, 6 TDs) and Mohamed Sanu (59 REC, 653 YDs, 11.1 AVG, 4 TDs). The running game features Devonta Freeman (227 ATT, 1,079 YDs, 4.8 AVG, 11 TDs). Freeman also has 54 receptions for 462 yards and two scores. RB Tevin Coleman is an important contributor, averaging 4.4 YPA and scoring eight touchdowns.
The Seattle defense is one of those squads that can win games. They’re allowing opposing teams an average of 18.3 PPG. They have a total of 42 sacks, 56 tackles for a loss, and 18 forced fumbles. They have a total of 11 interceptions and 69 passes defended. Two defensive ends do a lot of the sack work, as Cliff Avril brings 11.5 sacks and five FF and Frank Clark has 10.0 sacks and two FF. Richard Sherman is their top pass defender with four picks and 13 PD.
Seattle Plays Atlanta NFL Divisional Free Pick
Seattle started at -3.5 and they are now -4.5 and -5.0. In Week 6 of the NFL season, the Seahawks beat Atlanta 26-24. We don’t expect the score to be quite so close on this one.
Seattle has a fine tuned offense and some outstanding defensive players. We think Matt Ryan and company will deliver. Our Seattle plays Atlanta NFL divisional free pick is Atlanta at -4.5.
Seattle Plays Atlanta NFL Divisional Free Pick: Falcons -4.5
