***The Official Seattle Seahawks IN-Season Thread 2014-15***

[R8RMick 242]

Picking the side: 9-2

Against the spread: 10-1

 

Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles (-1)

 

This is a very important game for both teams regarding playoff implications. Both are coming off wins over a division rival who they will face in a rematch next week; therefore both are in equal sandwich situations. Lets look at some numbers.

 

Philadelphia is ranked # 4 in total offense, Seattle is ranked #13

Philadelphia is ranked #5 in passing offense, Seattle is ranked #29

Philadelphia is ranked #6 in rushing offense, Seattle is ranked #1

Philadelphia is ranked at #12 in yards per rush (4.2), Seattle is ranked #1 (5.3)

 

Seattle is ranked #1 in total defense, Philadelphia is ranked #24

Seattle is ranked #3 in scoring defense, Philadelphia is ranked #19

Seattle is ranked #3 in rushing defense, Philadelphia is ranked #7

Seattle gives up 3.1 ypr, Philadelphia gives up 3.9 ypr

Seattle is ranked #3 in passing defense, Philadelphia is ranked #25

 

Seattle is (+9) in turnover differential, Philadelphia is (-6)

Philadelphia has won their last 10 regular season home games

Seattle is 9-1 ATS as an underdog

Philadelphia leads the league in passing completions 20+ yards

Seattle is #1 in stopping passing completions 20+ yards

 

This reminds me of the Superbowl, when you have a perceived great defense going against a great offense. Many times, the defense prevails in those games. Seattle sports gaudy defensive numbers across the board despite a magnitude of injuries throughout the season. The team is now healthy and just held Arizona and San Fran to 64 yards rushing and 3 points each. They completely shut both teams down. Considering Mark Sanchez has already faced Pete Carroll and lost 28-7 prior, Im not liking his chances. He could try chucking the ball deep; unfortunately for the Eagles, Seattle is good at taking away those deep completions and the defensive pass rush has been rejuvenated the past two games. The Eagle running backs earn most of their yardage bouncing outside, but with Seattle having the fastest defense in the league and their sure handed-tackling, its unlikely that the Eagles will run with success. The Eagles have to dink and dunk their way down the field to win this game, maybe use their TEs a lot. Sure, the Eagles ran the ball the past two games, against bad rush defenses of Tennessee and Dallas. A spread offense isnt going to work against Seattle. Their speed neutralizes any advantages.

 

On the other hand, from the games Ive watched the Eagles play, their defense is pretty awful. Dont let some of the better numbers fool you. The Eagles dominate bad teams and lose to good teams. Their corners are terrible and everybody throws all over the Eagles. Russell Wilson will find wide open WRs in this game, finally. The Eagles have gotten a bit of a pass rush going, but after facing Arizona and SFs pass rush the past two weeks, this wont be anything new for the Seahawks. Given that the Eagles give up 3.9 ypr and Seattle gains 5.3 ypr, I would expect big games from Lynch, Turbin, and Wilson running for another 50+. Moeaki is the guy getting all the snaps in practice so the TE is now a big weapon on offense again. Seattle is approaching a record for lack of turnovers committed by an offense for a season, so I expect them to win the turnover battle as well.

 

Im just not seeing where the Eagles have an edge in this game other than being at home and that Seattle has been settling for too many FGs despite dominating games. While Seattle has been sluggish in the first half of some East Coast games, those have been early starts. This is a 4:00 EST start, so no worries there either. The Eagles are 1-2 vs the NFC West, losing to SF in a game they didnt score a single offensive TD, lost to Arizona, and barely hung on to beat the Rams by a couple of points at home. The Eagles will need to win their game vs. Dallas next week. They wont get this one.

 

Seattle Seahawks 33

Philadelphia Eagles 17

You were cruising right along, lucid, concise, great take after great take. Then you let your heart predict the final score lol... Not sure the Hawks will score 33 on their own, but that Philly -6 turnover disparity gains steam with Sanchez.

 

Nice analysis. I was saying weeks ago this team was far from done. Even if Palmer doesn't go down, Seattle would still be in the thick of things. Now, with Stanton torpedoing the Cards, greater things are possible.

[phillybear 366]

You were cruising right along, lucid, concise, great take after great take. Then you let your heart predict the final score lol... Not sure the Hawks will score 33 on their own, but that Philly -6 turnover disparity gains steam with Sanchez.

 

Nice analysis. I was saying weeks ago this team was far from done. Even if Palmer doesn't go down, Seattle would still be in the thick of things. Now, with Stanton torpedoing the Cards, greater things are possible.

 

I think that the past few weeks, the points scored by Seattle has been artificially deflated, as they keep kicking FGs and having TDs taken away by penalties. I anticipate some course correction at some point where the Seahawks get into the endzone on their drives, and against the Eagles defense, I think this is a likely spot.

 

I'm not sure if the Seattle fan base threw in the towel but there were many signs of discouragement, after the loss to the Rams, and again after the loss to the Chiefs. As a huge pessimist, I was frustrated beyond belief at the prospect at possibly missing the playoffs after losing so many winnable games. Realistically, the Seahawks face 3 backup QBs in their final four games (Sanchez, Stanton, Davis, along with Kaepernick)

 

Fun fact: Seattle has not lost by double digits in 57 straight games. They are always in every game. I'm not sure if any other team in the NFL is currently doing better than 9 straight games without being blown out.

[R8RMick 242]

 

I think that the past few weeks, the points scored by Seattle has been artificially deflated, as they keep kicking FGs and having TDs taken away by penalties. I anticipate some course correction at some point where the Seahawks get into the endzone on their drives, and against the Eagles defense, I think this is a likely spot.

 

I'm not sure if the Seattle fan base threw in the towel but there were many signs of discouragement, after the loss to the Rams, and again after the loss to the Chiefs. As a huge pessimist, I was frustrated beyond belief at the prospect at possibly missing the playoffs after losing so many winnable games. Realistically, the Seahawks face 3 backup QBs in their final four games (Sanchez, Stanton, Davis, along with Kaepernick)

 

Fun fact: Seattle has not lost by double digits in 57 straight games. They are always in every game. I'm not sure if any other team in the NFL is currently doing better than 9 straight games without being blown out.

Your point is well taken, and glaringly so as a few weeks back I swept up Hauschka when cut on the Seattle bye week. He's been killing it for me. I really haven't understood the problems they've had in the red zone, especially with Lynch available to them. That team is delusional if they don't pick up the last year of his contract.

[Hawkfin 32]

Your point is well taken, and glaringly so as a few weeks back I swept up Hauschka when cut on the Seattle bye week. He's been killing it for me. I really haven't understood the problems they've had in the red zone, especially with Lynch available to them. That team is delusional if they don't pick up the last year of his contract.

The problem in the red zone for us besides playing good D's is our play calling.

 

We are 1st and goal at the 1. We go in shot gun EVERY play from there on. Only run it once.

This has been a problem all year too. Sometimes we don't even have a RB in the back field so the Def knows it's going to be a pass.

Why run out of a shotgun in that situation? Pound it up tight. Even with a FB. Especially on 1st down on the one.

 

Get under center inside the 10 and if you don't want to run the ball (Which we should) then play action fake it or roll out. At least keep the Def honest with the threat of a run that were so good at.

This shot gun stuff is not needed when your inside the 1-10 yard line. It's pissing me off!

 

Maybe it's the new Center I guess. But, I don't get it.

 

But, can't complain. Very happy to see our Def back! We are getting this Div again.

GO HAWKS

 

Oh P.S. - Philybear - Nice post again. Great insight throughout.

Hoping for a score like that, but it could be a lot closer being on the road.

[phillybear 366]

Picking the side: 9-2

Against the spread: 10-1

 

Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles (-1)

 

This is a very important game for both teams regarding playoff implications. Both are coming off wins over a division rival who they will face in a rematch next week; therefore both are in equal sandwich situations. Let’s look at some numbers.

 

Philadelphia is ranked # 4 in total offense, Seattle is ranked #13

Philadelphia is ranked #5 in passing offense, Seattle is ranked #29

Philadelphia is ranked #6 in rushing offense, Seattle is ranked #1

Philadelphia is ranked at #12 in yards per rush (4.2), Seattle is ranked #1 (5.3)

 

Seattle is ranked #1 in total defense, Philadelphia is ranked #24

Seattle is ranked #3 in scoring defense, Philadelphia is ranked #19

Seattle is ranked #3 in rushing defense, Philadelphia is ranked #7

Seattle gives up 3.1 ypr, Philadelphia gives up 3.9 ypr

Seattle is ranked #3 in passing defense, Philadelphia is ranked #25

 

Seattle is (+9) in turnover differential, Philadelphia is (-6)

Philadelphia has won their last 10 regular season home games

Seattle is 9-1 ATS as an underdog

Philadelphia leads the league in passing completions 20+ yards

Seattle is #1 in stopping passing completions 20+ yards

 

This reminds me of the Superbowl, when you have a perceived great defense going against a great offense. Many times, the defense prevails in those games. Seattle sports gaudy defensive numbers across the board despite a magnitude of injuries throughout the season. The team is now healthy and just held Arizona and San Fran to 64 yards rushing and 3 points each. They completely shut both teams down. Considering Mark Sanchez has already faced Pete Carroll and lost 28-7 prior, I’m not liking his chances. He could try chucking the ball deep; unfortunately for the Eagles, Seattle is good at taking away those deep completions and the defensive pass rush has been rejuvenated the past two games. The Eagle running backs earn most of their yardage bouncing outside, but with Seattle having the fastest defense in the league and their sure handed-tackling, it’s unlikely that the Eagles will run with success. The Eagles have to dink and dunk their way down the field to win this game, maybe use their TEs a lot. Sure, the Eagles ran the ball the past two games, against bad rush defenses of Tennessee and Dallas. A spread offense isn’t going to work against Seattle. Their speed neutralizes any advantages.

 

On the other hand, from the games I’ve watched the Eagles play, their defense is pretty awful. Don’t let some of the better numbers fool you. The Eagles dominate bad teams and lose to good teams. Their corners are terrible and everybody throws all over the Eagles. Russell Wilson will find wide open WRs in this game, finally. The Eagles have gotten a bit of a pass rush going, but after facing Arizona and SF’s pass rush the past two weeks, this won’t be anything new for the Seahawks. Given that the Eagles give up 3.9 ypr and Seattle gains 5.3 ypr, I would expect big games from Lynch, Turbin, and Wilson running for another 50+. Moeaki is the guy getting all the snaps in practice so the TE is now a big weapon on offense again. Seattle is approaching a record for lack of turnovers committed by an offense for a season, so I expect them to win the turnover battle as well.

 

I’m just not seeing where the Eagles have an edge in this game other than being at home and that Seattle has been settling for too many FGs despite dominating games. While Seattle has been sluggish in the first half of some East Coast games, those have been early starts. This is a 4:00 EST start, so no worries there either. The Eagles are 1-2 vs the NFC West, losing to SF in a game they didn’t score a single offensive TD, lost to Arizona, and barely hung on to beat the Rams by a couple of points at home. The Eagles will need to win their game vs. Dallas next week. They won’t get this one.

 

Seattle Seahawks 33

Philadelphia Eagles 17

 

Picking the side: 10-2

Against the spread: 11-1

 

Final Score:

Seattle Seahawks 24

Philadelphia Eagles 14

 

Domination. Seattle gets 440 total yards of offense, Philly gets 139.

 

Disappointed that Kansas City choked up their game vs Arizona, but SF lost to Oakland which makes me very happy.

[12th Man 884]

Just going to call it now, I wouldn't be shocked if the 9'ers won out and made the playoffs anyway, it's just what they do.

[jerryskids 6,665]

 

Picking the side: 10-2

Against the spread: 11-1

 

Final Score:

Seattle Seahawks 24

Philadelphia Eagles 14

 

Domination. Seattle gets 440 total yards of offense, Philly gets 139.

 

Disappointed that Kansas City choked up their game vs Arizona, but SF lost to Oakland which makes me very happy.

KC scored 0 in the second half today, wouldn't call that a choke. Looks like the Cards and the Hawks are the last teams standing. Hoping we both win next week and get to talk about week 16 in AZ.

[Reality 3,121]

KC scored 0 in the second half today, wouldn't call that a choke. Looks like the Cards and the Hawks are the last teams standing. Hoping we both win next week and get to talk about week 16 in AZ.

 

KC was absolutely raped on a made up fumble call late in the game though. The call on Kelce was a joke.

[jerryskids 6,665]

 

KC was absolutely raped on a made up fumble call late in the game though. The call on Kelce was a joke.

Umm, no they weren't. The ball was clearly coming out when Buchanon hit him. It wasn't obvious on all of the angles but it was on at least one. Unless you think NFL referees reverse calls instead of letting them stand for the hell of it.

 

I understand that you are bitter because your team got biotch slapped by the lowly Raiders, though.

[Reality 3,121]

Umm, no they weren't. The ball was clearly coming out when Buchanon hit him. It wasn't obvious on all of the angles but it was on at least one. Unless you think NFL referees reverse calls instead of letting them stand for the hell of it.

 

I understand that you are bitter because your team got biotch slapped by the lowly Raiders, though.

 

Wrong on every level, terrible overturn. I could care less who wins the game. A team like Arizona is one and done in the playoffs "if" they make it.

[jerryskids 6,665]

 

Wrong on every level, terrible overturn. I could care less who wins the game. A team like Arizona is one and done in the playoffs "if" they make it.

Well, it isn't wrong on every level, unless you would like to propose a theory different than what I did. NFL refs do not overturn calls unless they see a clear reason to do so, unless they are cheating I suppose. And you absolutely DO care who wins the game, since the Cards are now 3 up on the Niners with 3 to play. You may be right about AZ being one and done, I guess time will tell, so you have that going for you.

[Reality 3,121]

Well, it isn't wrong on every level, unless you would like to propose a theory different than what I did. NFL refs do not overturn calls unless they see a clear reason to do so, unless they are cheating I suppose. And you absolutely DO care who wins the game, since the Cards are now 3 up on the Niners with 3 to play. You may be right about AZ being one and done, I guess time will tell, so you have that going for you.

 

The one call of the day I just couldn’t fathom. Arizona 17, Kansas City 14, 5:31 to play in the fourth quarter, Chiefs driving for the tying or go-ahead points in a crucial game with playoff implications—for both teams. Alex Smith throws to tight end Travis Kelce, and he advances the ball to the Arizona 22. Field-goal range now. At end of the play, Arizona safety Deone Bucannon rides Kelce to the turf. Just before Kelce hits the ground, the ball moves—but is not dislodged—in his grasp. Kelce hits the ground, is ridden over on his side, and the ball pops free. The Cards recover but it appears to be the end of the play, with Kansas City keeping possession, and the whistle blows, so Arizona doesn’t advance the ball. I watched four different angles. There is no way you can tell that the ball is out of Kelce’s possession when his knee hits the ground and he is down. No way. Yet ref Craig Wrolstad went under the hood, and after consulting with the New York replay center, came out and reversed the ruling on the field. Calls should change only when replays show with 100 percent certainty that the call should be changed. And it is inconceivable that Wrolstad could be 100 percent that Kelce had lost possession before his knee contacted the ground. The replay center has worked well this year and improved the consistency of replay reviews overall—without question. But that call in Arizona was a major gaffe … and the Chiefs will have a beef if this game costs them a playoff berth.

 

Perfectly explained by Peter King, you're welcome.

[jerryskids 6,665]

Perfectly explained by Peter King, you're welcome.

Peter King agrees with you, awesome$#@!

[MDC 7,229]

Hats off to the Seahawks, they just wore the Eagles down in this one. That was a really terrific defensive performance.

 

I thought Philly's front 7 really played well and they had Wilson running for his life early on. Lynch also got really no traction at all in the running game.

 

The big factors in this game for me were the Eagles' inability to sustain drives at all or get off the field on 3rd down. I don't know how many 3rd and longs there were where Wilson scrambled for 6-7 seconds before finding a receiver WIDE open but it felt like a lot. Philly badly needs help at CB and S next year.

 

Anyway, the better team clearly win.

 

Also that Kelce call was awful.

[phillybear 366]

Thursday Night...

 

Let's Go St Louis!!! Beat Arizona.

 

St Louis about a 6 point favorite, a bit surprising.

[murf74 461]

When you look at the amount of penalties called on the Seattle Seahawks and the penalties called on their opponents during their games, you have to go back to 1954 to find such a horrific disparity of a team getting called for so many more penalties than their opponents. 1954.

 

The Seattle Seahawks are being targeted for flags, and their opponent's similar digressions are being completely ignored. And it's not my imagination. We have the mathematical evidence. It's a conspiracy. Roger Goodell is the devil.

 

Carry on.

Can always find good ref discussions here.

[phillybear 366]

Well, you just can't depend on other teams to do your dirty work. On the bright side, Arizona is down to their 3rd string QB. They'll limp into the playoffs and most likely be done in their first game.

 

The road is clear to win out. I can't imagine that SF will roll over this weekend but put in a last ditch effort to salvage something from their season by trying to ruin Seattle's. Still, it's a game in Seattle, so I'd like to think it should go into the win column. Last year, the 'Hawks beat Arizona by double digits on the road, rather more easily than the final score indicated. I feel that is the easiest game to win of the 3 left. Arizona will go super conservative and make Wilson score to beat them, which he will do in the 2nd half. Lindley/Thomas will turn it over if they are given the chance. Then it gets tricky with the Rams to finish the season. They always give the 'Hawks fits. Fisher pulls out trick plays and no holds barred football; it's a shame he's too much of a d!ck to the the same to the other teams in the division, he only does this sh!t vs the Seahawks. And the Rams played the final game last season in Seattle tough. But, I have to expect three wins to end the season and get at least the #2 seed. Lose one game, and this team might not make the playoffs at all.

 

And root for Philadelphia to beat Dallas. You want the Cowboys out of the mix in tie breaking scenarios. The Seahawks own the tie breaker on Green Bay, Detroit, Philadelphia, and currently Arizona.

[12th Man 884]

Can always find good ref discussions here.

Shouldn't you be crying about Wilson as your fantasyQB?

[phillybear 366]

Picking the side: 10-2
Against the spread: 11-1

 

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

 

It's hard to gauge what SF has left in the tank emotionally. They are playing for a coach that frankly is a grating assh0le, so in a failed season, it's hard for players to rally to try to win for an unlikeable head coach. Then again, Seattle is the main rival for SF, so I don't think they will simply roll over and take it unlubed. The spread is enormous and the betting public seems to agree as 60% of wagers are coming in on SF. So, taking out the unknown emotional angle, we are left with the raw numbers. San Francisco does a few things particularly well, such as play defense. Unfortunately, in every way Seattle is better than SF defensively, against the run and against the pass, scoring defense, total yards. Seattle is better at turnovers (+9 vs +3). The biggest disparity is on offense, where Seattle is #11 overall vs SF which is an ugly #24. Seattle runs the ball much better 5.2 ypr vs 4.0 ypr. And even where SF has just a little bit more passing yards on the season, Seattle is more efficient, 7.4 yards per pass play vs SF's 7.1 yppp. Seattle has gotten healthy on defense and that momentum has led to holding their past 3 opponents to 169 total yards per game and 6.7 points per game. Last week, in a rare display of generousity, Seattle turned the ball over twice, but still blew out Philadelphia. While I think SF could score a little bit in this game, I can't see them winning unless Seattle turns it over, and Wilson has just 5 INTs all season long. Kaepernick consistently has played his worst against the Seahawks the past few years. I just don't see a reversal here.

 

Seattle Seahawks 27
San Francisco 49ers 13

[phillybear 366]

Today's game takes on additional urgency. With Buffalo beating Green Bay, Seattle I believe controls it's destiny for the #1 seed by winning out, unless I believe if Dallas and Seattle both finish at 12-4 and nobody else finishes with 12 wins, then Dallas takes the #1. But if a third team is 12-4, like Green Bay and/or Detroit, Seattle should have the best conference record and get the top spot.

So, in other words, better beat San Fran. And root for Philly tonight.

[Reality 3,121]

Dominating first half by the 9'ers D, very impressive, Seattle only scoring drive aided by penalties, one weak but correct & one terribly wrong. 9'ers offense moving the ball relatively easy but, not putting points on the board. Pretty much what we've grown to expect out of the offense.

[Reality 3,121]

And the game simply handed to Seattle, unbelievable.

 

Absolute joke.

[eagles115 23]

Helmet to the chest? LOL the refs sucking some bird C0CK thats for sure

[uwmalcolm 74]

And the game simply handed to Seattle, unbelievable.

 

Absolute joke.

Horrible, horrible call but the niners can't keep a drive moving. Probably didn't have an impact on the end result.

[Reality 3,121]

Horrible, horrible call but the niners can't keep a drive moving. Probably didn't have an impact on the end result.

The entire complexion of the game was changed with that call. So, it absolutely had a tremendous impact.

 

Oh well, moving on. The 9'ers simply lost way too many players this year. It is absolutely amazing how well the defense has played. Backups at almost every position and still a top 5 defense, hats off to the talent evaluaters.

 

Good luck to Seattle, hot exactly when you need to be and clearly once again the class of the NFC.

[phillybear 366]

Picking the side: 10-2

Against the spread: 11-1

 

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

 

It's hard to gauge what SF has left in the tank emotionally. They are playing for a coach that frankly is a grating assh0le, so in a failed season, it's hard for players to rally to try to win for an unlikeable head coach. Then again, Seattle is the main rival for SF, so I don't think they will simply roll over and take it unlubed. The spread is enormous and the betting public seems to agree as 60% of wagers are coming in on SF. So, taking out the unknown emotional angle, we are left with the raw numbers. San Francisco does a few things particularly well, such as play defense. Unfortunately, in every way Seattle is better than SF defensively, against the run and against the pass, scoring defense, total yards. Seattle is better at turnovers (+9 vs +3). The biggest disparity is on offense, where Seattle is #11 overall vs SF which is an ugly #24. Seattle runs the ball much better 5.2 ypr vs 4.0 ypr. And even where SF has just a little bit more passing yards on the season, Seattle is more efficient, 7.4 yards per pass play vs SF's 7.1 yppp. Seattle has gotten healthy on defense and that momentum has led to holding their past 3 opponents to 169 total yards per game and 6.7 points per game. Last week, in a rare display of generousity, Seattle turned the ball over twice, but still blew out Philadelphia. While I think SF could score a little bit in this game, I can't see them winning unless Seattle turns it over, and Wilson has just 5 INTs all season long. Kaepernick consistently has played his worst against the Seahawks the past few years. I just don't see a reversal here.

 

Seattle Seahawks 27

San Francisco 49ers 13

 

Final score:

Seattle Seahawks 17

San Francisco 49ers 7

 

Picking the side: 11-2

Against the spread: 12-1

 

Well, it was a tad more low scoring than I expected, but both teams self destructed with scoring opportunities. Seattle didn't outgain SF by much and even lost the turnover battle. And way to go in screwing up the points allowed average lately. They go from allowing 6.7 points per game in the last 3 to a horrible 6.75 points allowed in the last 4. Wilson had the deep ball going, but too many drops by the receivers. And I'd say about 7 or 8 times a game I scream at my TV "Britt, you suck". Also, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are the worst announcers doing NFL games; they are clueless, misinformed, and can't even figure out what happened after watching 15 replays. I screamed at Aikman more than Britt.

 

On to Arizona.

[phillybear 366]

Dominating first half by the 9'ers D, very impressive, Seattle only scoring drive aided by penalties, one weak but correct & one terribly wrong. 9'ers offense moving the ball relatively easy but, not putting points on the board. Pretty much what we've grown to expect out of the offense.

 

I love a hard hitting NFL and despise these new pussie rules. That being said, both of those calls were correct. The out of bounds I'm sure you agree on. The hit by Reid on Richardson was helmet to helmet. Every replay angle showed it. Personally, I'd allow it. The NFL doesn't.

[phillybear 366]

Helmet to the chest? LOL the refs sucking some bird C0CK thats for sure

 

That's not a call that I liked. Either you allow the players to decide the game, or don't. The call was leading with the crown of the helmet. In real speed, that's a judgment call. I don't like these rules that protect the QB, but we see these calls every week. Yes, it was at a critical juncture of the game. But Aikman and Buck were being dishonest when they couldn't figure out what the call was, or maybe they were just idiots. Or both.

[phillybear 366]

The entire complexion of the game was changed with that call. So, it absolutely had a tremendous impact.

 

Oh well, moving on. The 9'ers simply lost way too many players this year. It is absolutely amazing how well the defense has played. Backups at almost every position and still a top 5 defense, hats off to the talent evaluaters.

 

Good luck to Seattle, hot exactly when you need to be and clearly once again the class of the NFC.

 

It was a typical hard hitting game between these two teams, not unexpected. The rivalry won't be nearly the same bitter blood feud when Harbaugh is gone.

 

My most pronounced memory of Harbaugh was the game where SF won 13-6 on Thursday Night in 2012. After the game, as the Seahawks were boarded on their buses to leave the parking lot, Harbaugh drove by very close to the buses, honking his horn over and over, waving to the buses. Um, not exactly the picture of sportsmanship. Which set up the next game later in the season, where Seattle completely dismantled the Niners and talked about needing to get even with Harbaugh, and the feud was full speed ahead.

 

Oh, don't pack up your suitcases until after the Arizona rematch that final week. I expect a good game there.

[phillybear 366]

Upon further thought, if Seattle wins one more game to get to 11 wins, the Seahawks are virtually assured a playoff spot regardless.

 

Put the NFC South winner aside. You have 6 teams vying for 5 playoff sports. Green Bay and Detroit meet the last week of the season. Unless that game ends in a tie, one of them will have at least 5 losses. And Seattle beats both of them in the tie breakers (GreenBay head to head, Detroit by record vs common opponents). In any possible tie breaker even with multiple teams, neither Green Bay nor Detroit knocks out Seattle. Philly can't knock out Seattle. The Seahawks are 8-2 in conference which is very strong for tie breaking in multi team situations. Actually the only team that can screw up Seattle in any possible way is Dallas. So, beat Arizona, and the #1 seed is probable. Lose to Arizona or St Louis, and you are still very, very likely making the playoffs at the #6 at worst.

[phillybear 366]

Russell Okung has a chest wall bruise and has been released from hospital.

 

Tony Moeaki hurt his shoulder.

[12th Man 884]

Pete Carroll just ended Jim Harbaugh

[12th Man 884]

Just going to call it now, I wouldn't be shocked if the 9'ers won out and made the playoffs anyway, it's just what they do.

[RedsHawks 6]

Upon further thought, if Seattle wins one more game to get to 11 wins, the Seahawks are virtually assured a playoff spot regardless.

 

Put the NFC South winner aside. You have 6 teams vying for 5 playoff sports. Green Bay and Detroit meet the last week of the season. Unless that game ends in a tie, one of them will have at least 5 losses. And Seattle beats both of them in the tie breakers (GreenBay head to head, Detroit by record vs common opponents). In any possible tie breaker even with multiple teams, neither Green Bay nor Detroit knocks out Seattle. Philly can't knock out Seattle. The Seahawks are 8-2 in conference which is very strong for tie breaking in multi team situations. Actually the only team that can screw up Seattle in any possible way is Dallas. So, beat Arizona, and the #1 seed is probable. Lose to Arizona or St Louis, and you are still very, very likely making the playoffs at the #6 at worst.

If the Hawks win out, then the Hawks are the #1 seed. If the Hawks beat Arizona next week, then they stand a good chance to be no worse than the #2 seed and don't have to beat the Rams. If the Eagles win tonight and lose to either Washington or the Giants, then the Hawks go into their game against the Rams clinching at least #2 whether they win or not (but with the win the #1 seed is theirs). All this as laid out by KJR's "Mr Playoffs" starting at about the 20 minute mark of this audio: http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-mitch-in-the-morning-ondemand-mitchinthemorning/129-mr-playoffs-25663504/

[IMMensaMind 462]

If the Hawks win out, then the Hawks are the #1 seed. If the Hawks beat Arizona next week, then they stand a good chance to be no worse than the #2 seed and don't have to beat the Rams. If the Eagles win tonight and lose to either Washington or the Giants, then the Hawks go into their game against the Rams clinching at least #2 whether they win or not (but with the win the #1 seed is theirs). All this as laid out by KJR's "Mr Playoffs" starting at about the 20 minute mark of this audio: http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-mitch-in-the-morning-ondemand-mitchinthemorning/129-mr-playoffs-25663504/

How does Dallas' tie-breaker advantage with SEA work out to them not getting the #1 seed if they win out?

[phillybear 366]

How does Dallas' tie-breaker advantage with SEA work out to them not getting the #1 seed if they win out?

 

The only way Seattle drops from #1 to #2 if they win out, is if they are tied with Dallas at 12-4. If Green Bay or Detroit win out as well, and finish at 12-4, Seattle wins every 3 way tie breaker due to conference record.

 

So, if Seattle wins out, Dallas has to win out, either Green Bay or Detroit have to win the NFC North with an 11-5 record to make the Dallas tie breaker come into effect. Green Bay plays Tampa Bay this week, Detroit plays Chicago, Dallas plays Indianapolis.

 

Seattle has opened as a 7 point favorite at Arizona. And the line is going up.

[Groundhog 24]

How does Dallas' tie-breaker advantage with SEA work out to them not getting the #1 seed if they win out?

 

The Cowboys are 10-4. The Hawks are 10-4. If both teams are *the only ones* who finish 12-4, then the Cowboys win the tiebreaker on account of beating the Hawks in Seattle earlier this season.

 

However, if either GB or the Lions joins both of these teams at 12-4, then the Cowboys' victory over the Hawks no longer factors into the tiebreaker. At that point, the tiebreaker is I think record in the conference, and the Hawks would vault ahead of the Cowboys (projected 10-2 NFC record versus projected 8-4).

 

What's crazy is, the Hawks could win at Arizona in Wk16, be on the cusp of a #1 seed, and still end up out of the playoffs entirely. This is how:

 

Week 16 Games

Lions win at Chicago

Packers win at Tampa

Eagles win at Washington

Cowboys lose vs. Indianapolis

Seattle win at Arizona

 

Week 17 games

Rams win at Seattle

Eagles win at Giants

Cowboys win at Washington

Arizona wins at San Fran

Packers and Lions tie in Green Bay

 

I didn't say it was likely, I said it was possible. In this event, both the Eagles and Cowboys finish 11-5, and the Eagles win the division (per ESPN playoff machine). The Cards win the #1 seed finishing 12-4. The Lions get the #2 seed finishing 11-4-1. The Eagles get the #3 seed at 11-5. Whichever wretched NFC South team survives that crappy division gets the #4 seed (possibly even with a 6-10 record). Then the Pack get the #5 seed at 11-4-1. That leaves just the Cowboys and the Hawks at 11-5 overall, and the Pokes win the #6 seed on account of the head-to-head tiebreaker.

 

Since ties rarely happen, I give this a 1% chance of happening. You would need 10 games to break exactly right. Or wrong, depending on your point of view. But if you're wondering why the Hawks have not clinched a playoff spot, this is why.

[phillybear 366]

What's crazy is, the Hawks could win at Arizona in Wk16, be on the cusp of a #1 seed, and still end up out of the playoffs entirely. This is how:

 

Week 16 Games

Lions win at Chicago

Packers win at Tampa

Eagles win at Washington

Cowboys lose vs. Indianapolis

Seattle win at Arizona

 

Week 17 games

Rams win at Seattle

Eagles win at Giants

Cowboys win at Washington

Arizona wins at San Fran

Packers and Lions tie in Green Bay

 

I didn't say it was likely, I said it was possible. In this event, both the Eagles and Cowboys finish 11-5, and the Eagles win the division (per ESPN playoff machine). The Cards win the #1 seed finishing 12-4. The Lions get the #2 seed finishing 11-4-1. The Eagles get the #3 seed at 11-5. Whichever wretched NFC South team survives that crappy division gets the #4 seed (possibly even with a 6-10 record). Then the Pack get the #5 seed at 11-4-1. That leaves just the Cowboys and the Hawks at 11-5 overall, and the Pokes win the #6 seed on account of the head-to-head tiebreaker.

 

Since ties rarely happen, I give this a 1% chance of happening. You would need 10 games to break exactly right. Or wrong, depending on your point of view. But if you're wondering why the Hawks have not clinched a playoff spot, this is why.

I actually was thinking about this very thing on the way to work, that Seattle has virtually locked up a playoff spot with one win exact, based on the Philly loss last night. The only thing that focks it up is if the Eagles and Dallas both finish 11-5 with Seattle, Dallas beat the Eagles based on on conference record if Dallas loses to the Colts, but the Eagles beat out Dallas if Dallas loses to Washington based on divisional record. However, unless GB and Detroit tie, then Seattle gets the #5 or #6 based on conference record and who Dallas lost to.

 

No matter how you slice it, there is around a 99% chance Seattle makes the playoffs if they win one, and a 90% chance of the #1 seed if they win twice.

[phillybear 366]

The last 8 opponents that faced Seattle lost the following game. The theory is that teams don't have enough time to recover from such a physical matchup.

 

Niners are playing the Chargers this week.

The following opponent, the Cardinals finish the season vs Niners.

[jerryskids 6,665]

As a Cards fan I wish we had an NFL starting QB, but nevertheless the defense will be stoked and that stadium is going to be rocking Sunday night.