Falcons vs. Seahawks: Preview, score prediction for Week 11

Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons will be looking to get their second-straight win, as they head west to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. Unfortunately for fans of both sides, we won’t get to see the numerous battles between Julio Jones and Richard Sherman on Sunday afternoon, as the All-Pro defensive-back is out for the season with a torn achilles.

There is still a ton on the line between these two NFC titans this weekend. Not only will it move one of these teams one step closer to the playoffs, but it will give that squad an extremely important tiebreaker over the other.

That said, take a look at two takeaways for each team in Week 11.

Falcons Keys to Victory:

Tight-Ends Have to Block Well on the Edge: Each and every weekend, this Falcons running game is either empowered or limited by how well their tight-ends set the edge. Not to mention, without Devonta Freeman, who is the team’s main “inside-the-tackles” runner, blocking well on the outside is even more important.

More from Atlanta Falcons

If Atlanta wants Tevin Coleman to be effective on Monday Night Football, they have to find multiple ways to get him the football ball in open space. Whether that’s tosses to the outside or play-action bootleg passes; the Levine Toilolo and Austin Hooper are huge factors in this NFC battle.

Get Pressure on Russell Wilson: Coming into Week 11, Seattle has one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the NFL. While that isn’t necessarily indicative of their talent, it does mean that they’ve realized running the football isn’t working out for them as an offense. That said, they must throw the ball, as much as possible, to keep themselves in games each weekend.

Atlanta has shown they can get to the quarterback, but they must do that again this weekend if they want to upset the Seahawks. If they can’t, Wilson will find his receivers downfield all game long.

Seahawks Keys to Victory:

First and foremost, stop Atlanta’s rushing attack: If Seattle is successful with keeping Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward under wraps this weekend, it could mean complete domination for the Seahawks defense. Atlanta struggles to score points if they can’t pick up a number of yards on the ground, which could be the reason they lose in Seattle, yet again, in Week 11.

Protect Russell Wilson: Seattle has been average, in terms of allowing Russell Wilson to get taken down for a sack in 2017. However, they’ll be facing a Falcons pass-rush that is extremely confident heading into this NFC clash, as Atlanta sacked Dak Prescott eight different times last weekend. Needless to say, Seattle’s offensive line better be ready, or the Dirty Birds will take full advantage of every missed assignment they have on the line Sunday afternoon.

Odds

Point Spread: Seattle -3
Moneyline: Atlanta -118, Seattle +107
Over/Under: 44.5

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Cowboys tumbling after blowout loss

Prediction

I truly believe that whoever wins this game on Monday night, will be the team that ultimately is more efficient in the red-zone. Both offenses can move the football through the air, but both also need to be able to run the ball this weekend. With key players out for both teams, I believe it’ll be the Falcons who come out on top.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons: 20, Seattle Seahawks: 14

Home/Atlanta Falcons