Stampede Blue
NFC matchup with two teams that are looking to secure their playoff aspirations
And we close off one of the final weeks of NFL regular season football, this time with an NFC conference matchup on our hands as the Seahawks (+ 126) host the Packers (- 148) up in Seattle. The visiting team opens as just 2.5-point favourites, with the OU at 46.5. The Seahawks are currently the 3rd seed in the NFC, but with a loss tonight their playoff percentage drops from 62% to 51%, meanwhile Green Bay is currently at 98%, and would only drop to 94% in case of a loss.
Seahawks won a key game against the Cardinals last week to entrench themselves as divisional leaders. Running back Zach Charbonnet rushed for over 130 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced two turnovers to help secure the deal. After surprisingly finding their franchise quarterback in Geno Smith, the Seahawks have remained a competitive team since, and even though no-one pictures them as NFC favourites they are always a tough out.
The Packers lost a nail-biter against the Lions, after a game-winning field goal by kicker Jake Bates as time expired. Jacobs grabbed a hat-trick of touchdowns, but it ended up being for nothing, as the defense was gashed by Jared Goff, and the Lions had the ball last. At 9-4, even though the division is out of the question the Packers are still firmly in the playoff race.
Overall I really like the Packers’ chance of securing their playoff spot tonight, but it is definitely going to be a close contest, as the NFC is getting contested.
