Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions for Week 16
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks playoff chances took a hit last week with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With other teams closing in, Seattle could really use a win.
The Seattle Seahawks seemed to have secured the fifth seed in the NFC when they beat the Minnesota Vikings back in Week 14. Then they suddenly turned around and lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. The Seahawks beat the 49ers in Week 13 with a score of 43-16, but things were completely different in round two of the divisional game. The 49ers, who entered the contest with a 3-10 record, won 26-23 and made the Wild Card race a lot closer in the NFC.
Now the Seahawks are facing the Kansas City Chiefs who also lost in a close divisional game last week. Unlike the Seahawks who are fighting to just make the playoffs, the Chiefs are trying to secure their division title and a first-round playoff bye. They can accomplish this with a win against the Seahawks and a Los Angeles Chargers loss or simply by winning their final two games.
Despite their differing situations, both the Chiefs and Seahawks will need to play all out this week. The game will obviously be an uphill battle for the 8-6 Seahawks who are going to have to find a way to deal with the high scoring 11-3 Chiefs.
It should be a fun game to watch. Here are a few potential storylines to keep your eyes on.
Over 650 combined passing yards
The Chiefs have the worst pass defense in the NFL. They’re giving up 282.5 passing yards per game, which should be music to Russell Wilson‘s ears. On the other hand, the Seahawks pass defense ranks 20th in the league and is allowing 247.4 passing yards per game. They could easily give up more than that Sunday night though.
MVP candidate, Patrick Mahomes, is averaging a league leading 324.5 passing yards per game and is on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards this season. It’s also worth noting the Seahawks gave up 414 yards to Nick Mullens in their first game against the 49ers and then 275 more in last week’s loss. If Mullens can put up that much then imagine what Mahomes might do.
As for Wilson, he’s had some low yardage games, like the one against the Vikings, but he’ll need to put up good numbers to keep up with the Chiefs offense. I trust Wilson to rise to the challenge, it’s just the player he is. Both offenses also feature very talented skill players who are capable of breaking off huge chunk plays.