NFL - Seattle @ Philadelphia
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2007-11-30
Philadelphia nearly pulled off the impossible on Sunday, winning at New England. Instead, following that heartbreaking 3-point setback, the Eagles now have to face another red-hot team in Seattle. The Seahawks have won three straight games, SU & ATS, and four of five to again seize control of the NFC West Division. For Philly, this game continues a difficult 6-game season ending stretch vs. clubs sharing at least the same won-lost mark. It will be looking for a different result than the last time Seattle visited the City of Brotherly Love, a 42-0 shellacking at home, easily the worst loss in the 9-year Andy Reid era. The Eagles though are on a 22-10 ATS run vs. teams from the NFC West, while Seattle has struggled vs. the NFC East, going 2-8 ATS in its L10.
The Seahawks could be on the verge of joining the fight for the NFC and have certainly taken a step forward in the NFC West, hitting 7-4 SU and 6-4-1 ATS thus far. The arm of QB Matt Hasselbeck is matched only by his mind, an intelligent leader capable of making the most of any given situation. Meanwhile the defense has enjoyed steady production from a backfield allowing just 218 passing yards per game, resulting in an impressive 16 point-surrendered-per-game average, among the best in the league.
The fans in Philadelphia have watched their team trot along the line of mediocrity all season long, but the injury concerns for QB Donovan McNabb present intrigue to a volatile situation as fans divide. Those who recognize RB Brian Westbrook as the source of hope may be ready to lay witness to rookie QB Kevin Kolb’s rise to the starting ranks while others simply want to win now and feel McNabb is the only option to do so. Either way, improving on 5-5 SU and ATS (not including Sunday night) is the desire.
Keys to the Game
This is a tell-tale contest for both clubs who host division rivals next week. Seattle has placed the ball in Matt Hasselbeck’s hands. The former Boston College star loves winging all over the gridiron and the results have been positive. Philadelphia comes in 22-10 ATS against NFC West division opponents and is very much in wild card picture. The Eagles are dependent on Westbrook to deliver another solid performance and could be catching the Seahawks at the right time since they are 0-5-1 ATS over the last five years in division sandwich games.
Trends
~ Seattle is 2-8 ATS versus the NFC East.
~ Philadelphia is 22-10 ATS vs. good passing teams averaging 235 or more passing yards per game in the second half of the season.