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Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Eagles in Wild Card Round

By Samuel Teets

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball against defensive end Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball against defensive end Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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After just missing out on the third seed in Week 17, the Seattle Seahawks face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.

The Seattle Seahawks lost in several games down the stretch during the regular season that put them in the fifth seed. If the final two weeks of the season played out differently, Seattle could be on a bye this coming week. Instead, they’ll face the hungry Philadelphia Eagles.

Seattle enters the playoffs on a two-game losing streak and with three losses in their last four games. In comparison, the Eagles won their final four games in a late playoff push. While the Seahawks played more consistently throughout the season, the Eagles are hot at the right time.

Considering Seattle built up an 11-5 record in the best division in football this season, the Seahawks should easily defeat the 9-7 Eagles. However, injuries and the fresh start the playoffs provide will level the playing field.

3. Homer and Lynch struggle

As beat up as the Eagles are, their defense is tremendous against the run. Philadelphia finished third in rushing yards per game allowed this season, giving up just 90.1 to opponents. Running backs average 4.1 yards per carry against the Eagles.

For reference, the San Francisco 49ers are 17th in run defense, allowing 112.6 rushing yards per game. The Seahawks ran for a total of 125 yards against the 49ers, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Travis Homer carried the ball 10 times for 62 yards while Marshawn Lynch recorded 12 carries for 34 yards.

San Francisco’s defensive front is strong and has more well-known players, but Philadelphia’s front is even better. Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham might not win awards anytime soon, but that’s an able group that only got better when big Timmy Jernigan returned for the second half of the season.

While Homer flashed potential and averaged 6.2 yards per carry on opportune play calling in Week 17, there won’t be as many holes for him to run through during the Wild Card game. Lynch might be in better shape because of his power, but Philadelphia’s linemen aren’t small guys.

While Seattle will succeed in some short-yardage situations, breaking off long runs seems highly unlikely against Philadelphia.

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