NFL Playoff Preview: Eagles host Seahawks on Wild Card Weekend

Underdogs again? The 9-7 Philadelphia Eagles are facing off against the 11-5 Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 5th. The Eagles are facing their fair share of doubters as they snuck into the playoffs for the second year in a row. However, the Eagles and the Seahawks appear to be moving in opposite directions.

The Seahawks have lost three of their last four games, while the Eagles have successfully won their final four to win the NFC East. Critics are saying Russell Wilson has not played to his MVP potential caliber for the past several weeks. Carson Wentz, on the other hand, has been heating up. Wentz struggled for a while this season. But after wins over the Cowboys and Giants, he’s gained some much-needed confidence to make some big plays.

The Eagles will also have the home-field advantage for the game, which is huge. The hashtag that has been trending all season is Eagles Everywhere as Eagles fans are known far and wide for traveling cross country to support their team. So you can bet that the Linc will be rocking on Sunday afternoon. Momentum is everything in sports, including the NFL, and the Eagles are on an upward swing. The same cannot be said for Seattle.

Offense versus Defense: A Comparison

Both defenses have a significant issue with their secondary. The Seahawks have given up quite a few points over their last several games, which tells the offense they need to score more. It’s counterproductive and can sometimes mess with them and throw off their game. The same can be said for the Eagles. They have struggled with giving up big passes for several seasons, including the season they won the Super Bowl. They allowed the most passing yards in the history of the game, which is not good. It’s an ongoing problem that they can’t seem to get a handle on. Philadelphia’s run defense is much better and does not allow many yards per carry. Teams know they struggle with their secondary though and tend to take advantage. The key is to keep up the pressure. Their defense tends to be better at home so hopefully, they can use that advantage to collect a win tomorrow.

Both teams have struggled with injuries this season though Seattle seems to be struggling to fill their holes. The Eagles have continued with their next man up mentality and have resorted to having half of the team be players from the practice squad. They have really showed up to play. Greg Ward and Boston Scott especially have shined on the field. Fingers crossed for a fiery performance from both of them tomorrow.

Miles Sanders and Zach Ertz have both been cleared to play as well. Zach Ertz suffered a lacerated kidney against Dallas and should face minimal contact until he is one hundred percent. He can be used to draw coverage away from other potential targets rather than be a target himself. Seattle is down several key backs while Marshawn Lynch is not looking like the player he usually is. Wilson still has his favorite targets featuring Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Seattle and Philadelphia have the same glaring issue for tomorrow and the rest of the playoffs: a lack of suitable targets.

So many players on both teams are injured, and that has reflected in both team’s performances. It’s going to be a close game, but the Eagles will come out on top in a 20-17 win and advance to the next round of playoffs.