Falcons at Seahawks: Preview, Predictions, and More

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons are taking their 4-1 record on the road to one of the toughest places in the NFL to play, CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Here they will face the 3-1 Seattle Seahawks.

Atlanta is fresh off a big road win against the preciously undefeated Denver Broncos. The Broncos calling card is their stellar defense, and it seemed as though they should be able to slow down the red-hot Falcons. Instead, Atlanta walked out of the Mile High City with a 23-16 victory.

Now they face another team known for their stout defense in Seattle. The ‘Hawks have yet to give up more than 18 points in a contest this season. Don’t let that fool you into thinking they can’t score though as they dropped 27 and 37 in each of their last two contests before enjoying a bye last week.

Atlanta Keys To Victory

Keep the defense off balance: Last week they used their running backs in the passing game to keep the Broncos guessing. This strategy worked to perfection as they were able to secure the upset victory.

Get Julio Jones involved early: Their top receiver was held in check for most of the game against Denver and they can’t expect to win a second straight game without him playing like the mad man he is. Don’t wait, get him the ball any way you can.

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Contain Russell Wilson: Easier said than done. Wilson has turned into one of the best passers in the game, but how he kills teams is when he gets out of the pocket. When he uses his legs to extend plays he is at his best.

Seahawks Keys to Victory:

Get Doug Baldwin involved early: Much like the Falcons need Jones involved, Seattle needs Doug Baldwin to get going. He isn’t the same level as Jones by any means, but Baldwin is the most complete receiver in this team. When he goes off, the Seahawks are tough to beat.

Run the ball: They haven’t looked as good in the running game this season as they have in year’s past, but this is the game to get it going. Atlanta has some holes on defense and Seattle would be smart to pound the ball and keep Matt Ryan and the Falcons high-scoring offense on the sidelines.

Create some turnovers: Their defense has been great at keeping the scores low, but against a team like Atlanta they may not be enough. They need to find a way to create some turnovers and get some easy points off of them.

Odds

Point Spread: Seattle, -6
Moneyline: Atlanta +231, Seattle -286
Over/Under: 46

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Prediction

This will be a good one as both teams are for real. Atlanta will be the first team to cross the 20-point mark against the Seahawks defense. But in the end, Atlanta won’t be able to do enough to get their fifth win.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons: 23 , Seattle Seahawks: 27

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