Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 14

 

     Heading into week 14 the Seahawks have the #6 playoff spot with a chance to move up to #5 with a win @ Ravens. The Thursday night game ended with a Vikings loss meaning both teams could end the week at (8-5) with Seattle owning the tie breaker. Here’s a look at the current playoff seedings.

     #1 Panthers (12-0)
     #2 Cardinals (11-2)
     #3 Packers (8-4)
     #4 Redskins (5-7)
     #5 Vikings (8-5)
     #6 Seahawks (7-5)
     #7 Buccaneers (6-6)
     #8 Falcons (6-6)

     With the NFC West title out of reach and only the top six teams making the playoffs this week’s game in Baltimore is almost a must win. Seattle could lose and still keep the #6 spot with a loss by Tampa Bay also but with the way the seeds are sitting we really want that #5 spot and a trip to the weak NFC East division winner. A road game being on the schedule during the first round a trip to Redskins, Giants or possibly Philadelphia would be much more welcome than playing @ Packers where the #6 spot will be going.

     Odds makers are giving the Ravens (4-8) no chance this week which makes me a little nervous. If the Seahawks aren’t the underdog then the universe just isn’t right. Call it a Pacific Northwest thing. You’d think after two straight NFC Conference titles I’d be confident. Maybe next year after a third straight. For this week I’ll be cheering on the home team and hope we can take care of business and stay injury free. Still got four regular season games to play.

     Go Seahawks!

 

     Bonus Games!

     Saints (4-8) @ Buccaneers (6-6)

     The Saints season is basically over. With both the Falcons and Bucs ahead in the standings and Carolina making a bid for a (16-0) season the playoffs are a goal for next year. This week however gives them an opportunity to play spoiler for playoff hopes in Tampa Bay. If the Bucs can win this week and go (2-1) in the final three weeks they almost have a lock on the #6 seed. A spot that the Seahawks might also need depending on how things play out. As great as it has been this season watching Tampa Bay climb out of the NFL basement that doesn’t mean I want them to take my Seahawks spot. Go Saints!

     Redskins (5-7) @ Bears (5-7)

     At the start of the season I had the Bears as being the worst team in the NFL. Since those first few games however they have pulled it together and played some real battles. This game doesn’t have a direct impact on the Seahawks but the meaning comes from next week with Bears @ Vikings. We need Chicago to win that game so for this Sunday lets hope they get the win and can carry that momentum into another victory during week 15. Go Bears!

 

     Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

     Seahawks (7-5)

     @ Ravens
     Browns
     Rams
     @ Cardinals

     Cardinals (11-2)

     @ Eagles
     Packers
     Seahawks

     Rams (4-8)

     Lions
     Buccaneers
     @ Seahawks
     @ 49ers

     49ers (4-8)

     @ Browns
     Bengals
     @ Lions
     Rams

 

     Got picks? Then head on over to The Fan’s Tribune and post ‘em up! Solid opinions about the games and it is just plain fun to compare your outlook with other fans.

     Want to read more? I’d suggest giving Buccaneer Bri a read. Honest posts from a true fan about their team while being a good read at the same time.
 

.

 

The West Report

 
The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 11

 
     Week 10 Cardinals @ Seattle went something like this;

     1st Quarter

     Seahawks offensive penalty, another penalty, penalty, recovered fumble and two plays later the Seahawks defense is back on the field. That about sums it up for the 1st quarter in Seattle. It ends with Cardinals having an 11:30 to Seahawks 3:30 time of possession advantage. The Seattle defense is playing great but are visibly getting worn down with no rest from their offense and our good guys are lucky Arizona only leads 3-0.

     2nd Quarter

     R. Wilson fumbles into the end zone and the Cardinals grab the safety for a 5-0 lead. Seahawks penalty, penalty and another automatic 1st down for Arizona which leads to a visitor touchdown. Add in some more yardage ending with another touchdown and it’s quickly 19-0. Not looking good. Under 3:00 left in the half and the Seahawks make a few long yardage plays including a fantastic throw to Richardson. Richardson limps off the field with a bad hamstring. No good deed goes unpunished. Next Lynch limps off the field with an injury added to the penalty insults. Out of an I formation with Jackson the tail Wilson gives the hand off to the leading fullback instead for Seattle’s first points, 19-7. A clear fumble going to Seattle on the following Cardinal drive is called an incomplete pass instead which leads to a field goal by the Cardinals. Going into the half its 22-7 with a 21:17 to 8:43 time of possession advantage for the visitors.

     3rd Quarter

     A touchdown to open the quarter for Seattle is offset by a field goal by the Cardinals. A great stop and punt by Arizona that should of been Seattle ball on the Cardinal 40 is called back by penalty to the Seattle 40. A long drive by the Seahawks that included a 4 & 1 conversion ends in a punt. Two spectators in the stands are flagged with holding penalties on the drive. The quarter ends with Cardinals on top 25-17.

     4th Quarter

     Seahawks defense comes up with a touchdown as Avril pops the ball up into the hands of K.J. Wright. After review it’s called back and the Seattle mascot is flagged for lining up in the neutral zone. Seahawks ball on the 3 yard line from where Lynch runs it in for an official touchdown that I’m marking as a defensive score for Seattle. The two point conversion is no good. 25-23 Cardinals still on top where a personal foul penalty gives the Cardinals great field position compliments of K.J. Wright. A few plays later Wright redeems himself by stripping Palmer of the ball where B. Wagner picks up the fumble and runs it back 33 yards for the go ahead score. Seattle’s cheerleaders are flagged for un-sportsman like conduct with is reversed upon official review. The two point conversion fails again leaving Seattle on top 25-29 while Irvin limps off and into the locker room with an injury.

     Seahawks penalty, penalty, Arizona given a 1st down at mid-field, tipped pass caught by Arizona for another 1st down. A 3rd down stop is negated by another penalty, touchdown Arizona who takes the lead 32-29. Those two points given up on conversion tries are looming large for the Seahawks. Penalty (of course) brings up 3rd and 23 for Seattle who comes up short and punts leaving 6:09 left in the game. Irvin officially out for the game with a knee injury. Arizona 3rd and 4 with 2:14 left at mid-field keeping it inbounds to run down the clock. A 43 yard run for a touchdown is the nail in the coffin for the home team. Cardinals win 39-32. Props to the Seahawks defense with an interception, two fumble recoveries and 14 points scored. This game was lost by Seattle’s offense without a doubt.

 
     NFC West standings heading into Week 11

     Cardinals (7-2)
     Rams (4-5)
     Seahawks (4-5)
     49ers (3-6)

     What does it mean for our Seahawks? Well, outside of some very long shot mathematics 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th playoff seeds are now out of reach with the 5th spot most likely going to the Panthers or Falcons. Seattle after the halfway + Bye mark is playing for the 6th Wild Card spot. The good news is the way things are looking the Seahawks can still go 4-3 through the rest of the season and get it.

     This week we have the 49ers @ Seahawks. This isn’t a must win game but it is a key piece of the playoff puzzle because we need to finish the season at least 8-8 to get into the post season. Looking down the road to week 13 the @Vikings game is the must win. With how they are playing the Vikings are who the Seahawks are going to be fighting for that last spot with. Seattle can lose Steelers, @Ravens and Browns with a week 11 win against Santa Clara and a week 13 win @Vikings.

     Go Seahawks!

 
     Bonus Games!

     Packers (6-3) @ Vikings (7-2)

     Both of these NFC North teams are battling for the 2nd or 3rd playoff spot with the Packers already having the head to head against Seattle and the Vikings a half game ahead in a head to head situation. With a Packers win here that gives Seattle the push if both the Seahawks and Vikings finish the season (8-8) or (9-7). We need a Packers win here or else we’ll be relying on the Giants or Bears to beat them down for us. Not good. Go Packers!

     Raiders (4-5) @ Lions (2-7)

     It’s hard to believe that the Lions are this bad. A win by the Raiders means the Lions can finish the season no better than 8-8 with the push going to Seattle for the #6 Wild Card spot. It’s the Raiders so I won’t suggest anyone cheers for them but if the Lions lose we can all cheer that.

     Rams (4-5) @ Ravens (2-7)

     Slim odds for the Ravens but the Rams have the same chance at the #6 spot that the Seahawks have. This isn’t that important of a win for the Rams but helps them keep pace with Seattle. A loss most likely means they finish the season (7-9) tied for 8th place and out of the playoffs. Go Ravens!

     Bengals (9-0) @ Cardinals (7-2)

     At this point the Cardinals have almost wrapped up the #3 spot for the playoffs and we really don’t want them to lose. For the larger scheme of things this is a meaningless game for the Seahawks but we need to cheer them on to end the game with no injuries. Looking down the road the Week 13 @ Rams and Week 14 Vikings are games we need Arizona to win for us. Those wins let the Seahawks grab a #6 spot at 8-8 at the end of the season. Go whoever!

     Buccaneers (4-5) @ Eagles (4-5)

     Both of these teams are in the same outside edge that the Seahawks are in but the head to heads still favor Seattle. Considering the remaining schedule for both teams I think Tampa Bay has the harder schedule so we need the Bucs to pull off the win here and almost put the nail in the Eagles playoff hopes. Go Buccaneers!

 
Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

Seahawks (4-5)

49ers
Steelers
@ Vikings
@ Ravens
Browns
Rams
@ Cardinals

Cardinals (7-2)

Bengals
@ 49ers
@ Rams
Vikings
@ Eagles
Packers
Seahawks

Rams (4-5)

@ Ravens
@ Bengals
Cardinals
Lions
Buccaneers
@ Seahawks
@ 49ers

49ers (3-6)

@ Seahawks
Cardinals
@ Bears
@ Browns
Bengals
@ Lions
Rams

 
     Got picks? Then head on over to The Fan’s Tribune and post ‘em up! Solid opinions about the games and it is just plain fun to compare your outlook with other fans.

     Want to read more? I’d suggest giving Buccaneer Bri a read. Honest posts from a true fan about their team while being a good read at the same time.

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Week 4

     The Seahawks are (1-2) heading into the week 4 Monday Night game at home versus the Lions. The headlines this week have varied but most seem to agree that this is an early season must win for Seattle. With the season only just starting and their playoff hopes already being doubted this game does raise one important question.

     Am I the only one who could care less who Russell Wilson is dating?

     Seriously. This is what my Pacific Northwest news outlets are wasting ink on? How about the Kam holdout. Or some updates on Mebane’s injury. How questionable is Lynch really? How is Wagner getting ready while nursing a bad ankle? But no. My newspaper seems to think I want to read the Seahawks gossip page. I have no idea who this person is! I have never heard her music! Maybe, just maybe, if she was an ex-groupie for Slayer or had the largest Iron Maiden paraphernalia collection in my state I might just read the rest of the article. Failing that however I really DON’T CARE!

     I also don’t give a frigging hell what house he just bought or what car he’s driving! Football man! FOOTBALL! It’s the god damned sports page! Move that crap to the Sunday insert section you set aside to start fires with over the winter.

     Anyway, Monday Night Football, week 4.

     The pressure is on for the Lions to get a win or fall to (0-4) on the season. Of all the places in the world to play they draw an away game against Seattle on the most feared field in the NFL. Pity them, because the 12th Man won’t.

     A lot was made of Seattle getting the win against the Bears but I totally disagree. To blatantly steal a term from the “Bleacher Report” Chicago at this point in the season is a dumpster fire. Getting that win wasn’t a turn around or an improvement. It was simply taking care of business and getting the win when expected to. And this week is looking to be the same to many sport analysts for my Seahawks.

     And again, here I am going to totally disagree. Sure, the Lions might have some problems, but after an extensive and exhausting five minutes of internet research I could find no definitive reasons for them.

     Look, the Lions drew @ Chargers, @ Vikings then played the Broncos at home. That’s one hell of a way to start the season without a trip to Seattle topping it off with. (0-4) isn’t an unreasonable record all things considered. Week 5 has them @ Cardinals before they get the Bears at home. Detroit being at (1-5) heading into week 7 was already in the tea leaves. And for that reason I think the Seahawks are going to have their hands full on Monday Night.

     Of all the games this week I think Lions @ Seahawks has the biggest upset potential.

     It is at home, sure, but it is a late game. It’s also on a Monday which further breaks up the routine. And don’t forget that we have some banged up players, B. Mebane (groin), K. Pierre Louis (knee), S. Terrell (hip), D. Dobbs (shoulder), T. Simon (toe), M. Lynch (hamstring), K. Wright (hip), M. Morgan (hamstring), L. Willson (back), B. Wagner (ankle), W. Boy (thumb). On top of that this will be a short week before playing @ Bengals. Not good.

     All in all a tough game but I think the Seahawks manage the win.

     Go Seahawks!

     Got picks? Then head on over to The Fan’s Tribune and post ‘em up! Solid opinions about the games and it is just plain fun to compare your outlook with other fans.

     Want to read more? I’d suggest giving Buccaneer Bri a read. Honest posts from a true fan about her team while being a good read at the same time.

     
     
How the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

Seahawks (1-2)

Lions
@ Bengals
Panthers
@ 49ers
@ Cowboys
Week 9 Bye
Cardinals
49ers
Steelers
@ Vikings
@ Ravens
Browns
Rams
@ Cardinals

Cardinals (3-0)

Rams
@ Lions
@ Steelers
Ravens
@ Browns
Week 9 Bye
@ Seahawks
Bengals
@ 49ers
@ Rams
Vikings
@ Eagles
Packers
Seahawks

Rams (1-2)

@ Cardinals
@ Packers
Week 6 Bye
Browns
49ers
@ Vikings
Bears
@ Ravens
@ Bengals
Cardinals
Lions
Buccaneers
@ Seahawks
@ 49ers

49ers (1-2)

Packers
@ Giants
Ravens
Seahawks
@ Rams
Falcons
Week 10 Bye
@ Seahawks
Cardinals
@ Bears
@ Browns
Bengals
@ Lions
Rams

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Wild-Card Week 1

The Seahawks clinched the NFC #1 seed last week by virtue of a win over the Rams at home. With a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs Seattle isn’t playing this week. Instead they get to enjoy a well earned rest after the leagues hardest closing schedule.

Beginning a six game stretch of Cardinals, @ 49ers, @ Eagles, 49ers, @ Cardinals, Rams a 3-3 outcome wasn’t all that unrealistic. They proved the Vegas odds makers wrong by going (6-0) folks. Six and frigging zero. With five of those games against the toughest division in football. Closing out the season against the Rams with a depleted roster the Seahawks needed the win, made it happen, and now get a week off to help replenish the ranks. At last look Unger (C), Kearse (WR), Helfet (TE), Simon (CB), Dobbs (DE), Wright (LB), Okung (T), Lynch (RB), Hill (DT), Johnson (SS) and Sweezy (G) will be in the line-up.

Who exactly their second round opponent will be is still undecided but it won’t be Dallas. As the #3 seed if the Cowboys win they will be heading to Green Bay leaving the #4 Panthers and #5 Cardinals to duke it out over who gets to go to Seattle. If the Cowboys lose then the #6 Lions will be their next opponent no matter who wins at Carolina.

 

NFC Playoff Picks

I got the Panthers @ Falcons game wrong. But then again so did almost everyone else. Sticking with the NFC South I think that the Cardinals @ Panthers game might be the one to watch. The Cardinals backup QB did pretty damn good against the 49ers defense and I don’t think that the Panthers are a harder opponent. Then again it seems like the Cardinals have spent the last week focusing on next year instead of the next game. I’ll be cheering on the Cardinals but think the Panthers will win.

1st seed – Seahawks
2nd seed – Packers
3rd seed – Cowboys
4th seed – Panthers
5th seed – Cardinals
6th seed – Lions

Cardinals @ Panthers = Panthers
Lions @ Cowboys = Cowboys

Panthers @ Seahawks = Seahawks
Cowboys @ Packers = Packers

Packers @ Seahawks = Seahawks

AFC Playoff Picks

I don’t follow the AFC so I’m just guessing here based on what I have read.

1st seed – Patriots
2nd seed – Broncos
3rd seed – Steelers
4th seed – Colts
5th seed – Bengals
6th seed – Ravens

Bengals @ Colts = Colts
Ravens @ Steelers = Steelers

Colts @ Patriots = Patriots
Steelers @ Broncos = Steelers

Steelers @ Patriots = Patriots

Patriots AFC @ Seahawks NFC = Seahawks
MVP – Seahawks mascot Blitz after interrupting a Brady TD Pass before being ejected from the sidelines.

 

End of year rants and rumbles

* So the Eagles finished (10-6), didn’t make the playoffs and already the articles about how we need to change the playoff format are spreading. Knock it off! Right now you have 3 teams to compete against in your division for a playoff spot. Three! Finish second place and you still got a 50/50 chance at a spot. That is already fair and balanced so leave it alone. How about the Eagles just win games against teams with losing records and finish the season (12-4) instead?

* After the Broncos lost earlier in the year to the Seahawks in OT there was a lot of yelling and screaming about how the OT rules need to be changed too. I’m glad those stories seem to have disappeared. This is another thing that doesn’t need to be changed. Score a TD on the first possession and win. Anything else gives the other team a chance to win it instead. Fair enough.

* Instead of changing the Redskins moniker how about we just rename the Dallas Cowboys to the Dallas Honkys. Instant classic! Who wouldn’t vote for it just to watch TV commentators try and call the Honkys @ Redskins game without saying either team name?

* Hey 49ers. Instead of piping in loud and very annoying 7 second music clips over the PA system at Levis stadium when Seattle is on offense how about you just get some fans in the seats? Better yet just record the crowd noise at Century Link field and pipe that instead. Then give whoever announces Seattle 3rd downs some decaf. You aren’t fooling anyone. Although I will say that the “Big Girls Don’t Cry” sound clip at the end of the game you were losing was pretty funny.

* Speaking of noise, Kansas City is not the loudest stadium in football. Could people please stop calling it that. I don’t have TV and listen to Seahawks games on the radio instead. I know when the announcers are calling a home game in Seattle because they have to yell for an hour an a half over the crowd noise. When the Seahawks played at Chiefs earlier this year it sounded like the announcers could be off fishing somewhere. Yeah you could hear some noise from the kids in the camp ground but for the most part just another day at the beach. KC is not the loudest hands down no contest.

* Did you know Seattle’s Richard Sherman made the Pro Bowl this year? You wouldn’t really know it by reading the news. In an article I wrote last year I said about Sherman that, “… a lack of highlights from a position he has totally shut down speaks louder than any headline could.” I’m glad that a season of lower stats because quarterbacks won’t throw at him didn’t keep him out of the pro bowl selection. Hopefully after this season articles will stop saying that he isn’t a shut down corner too.

And finally.

* There will be no L.A. Team move next year so the talk about moving Seattle out of the NFC West has died down. I hope it stays that way. The NFC West is the toughest division in football and breaking it up is a really bad idea. I would rather see Los Angeles, San Antonio, London, Berlin all start new teams and make the NFC five team divisions. I can’t wait to see mascots for the L.A. Rattlesnakes, San Antonio Coyotes, London Troopers (usage rights paid to Iron Maiden) and the Berlin Wolves.

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 17

The Seahawks clinched a wild-card spot and end the regular season against who else? The Rams. At home. For the third year in a row. This is getting to be as common as @ Panthers games. Not that ending the season at home isn’t cool and all but instead of Super Bowl odds I’m starting to wonder what the over/under in Vegas is on the 2015 schedule making it Rams for a fourth year. I know its a petty complaint but here in the Pacific Northwest people aren’t really happy unless they have something to bitch about and week 17 isn’t leaving us much.

Last week the Seahawks were given the aforementioned wild-card spot when the Eagles lost and Cowboys won. Moved up to first place for the NFC West after winning at Cardinals. The specter of a Dallas head to head tie breaker is gone with the Lions @ Packers match-up both being tied at (11-4) almost ensuring a three-way tie in favor of Seattle no matter the outcome. And if all that isn’t bad enough a Seahawks win at home this week will clinch a first round bye with home field advantage through the playoffs. As the #1 seed! So in other words feelings in the Pacific Northwest are at an all time low.

I blame the 49ers. Why? Because now I have two things to complain about that’s why.

 

Rams (6-9) @ Seahawks (11-4)

Seattle starts week 17 with Dobbs (DE), Helfet (TE), Matthews (WR), Okung (T), Unger (C), Sweezy (G), Richardson (WR), Lynch (RB), Moeaki (TE), Kearse (WR), Simon (CB), two cheerleaders (SKRT) and a water boy (GAT) listed as injured. Its unclear at this point who from the practice squad will fill in for the cheerleaders so don’t panic just yet. What is clear is that the Seahawks need a first round bye to rest up and replenish the ranks. That week 4 bye was a long time ago and fourteen weeks without a rest is starting to tell. Seattle really needs this win at home.

No one will have to tell the Seahawks they can’t just kick back and take a win for granted either. Last year’s season ender against the Rams was a bloody fist fight with more personal foul penalties and ejections than either team had the entire season. It was the unforgettable hit by Lockette that swung the momentum in favor of the Seahawks and the Rams never seemed to recover. But that didn’t stop them from racking up more penalties and fighting till the end. This talk in the media about the Rams “hanging it up” for the year is a load of crap. They will play for a full 60 minutes and try to knock out some teeth while they are at it. Preferably from the other team but I think just any teeth will do when they play in Seattle.

Expect the Rams to bring it.

Sadly, other than injuries I got nothing else to complain about. The defense last week was fantastic. Seattle had more penalty yards (92) than the Cardinals had in total offense (64) at halftime. The offensive line played one of their best games of the year even with starters out of action. Instead of picking Wilson up off the turf the front line lifted him up to a regular season career high of 339 passing yards. The run game came through huge with all three backs helping to carry the load and topping it off with a 79 yard TD run by Lynch that is possibly one of the best NFL rushes of all time.

Whatever adjustments the Seahawks made after the 49ers game have paid off big. If Seattle can do it at home just one more time then they’ll have two weeks off before hosting (prolly) the Falcons and Packers before facing off against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Go Seahawks!

 

Seahawks playoff scenarios

1st seed – Seahawks win
3rd seed – Seahawks loss with a Cardinals loss
5th seed – Seahawks loss

 

Bonus scenario games!

Lions (11-4) @ Packers (11-4)

Out of the NFC playoff teams the Lions are playing some of the worst football right now. I don’t think a first round bye is really going to help them out that much. With that in mind I’ll be cheering on Detroit this weekend so that the Packers don’t get that week off instead. Go Lions!

 

Cardinals (11-4) @ 49ers (7-8)

If the Seahawks lose to the Rams then we’ll need the Cardinals to lose also so that we get a home game as the #3 seed. A loss by the Cardinals also means they won’t have a week to rest up and get their injured players back on line before being eliminated from the playoffs. Go 49ers!

 

Cowboys (11-4) @ Redskins (4-11)

Since the head to head tie breaker Dallas had over Seattle is no longer an issue I get to cheer against them just out of spite. Go Redskins!

 

Panthers (6-8-1) @ Falcons (6-9)

Who cares? I’ll be cheering on Tampa Bay as they host the Saints because it would be cool to see them end the season on a high note. Go Buccaneers!

 

Eagles (9-6) @ Giants (6-10)

Do you really want to spend the entire frigging off season reading whiny stories about how the (10-6) Eagles missed the playoffs but the NFC South gets to host a playoff game? Me either. Go Giants!

 

Double bonus playoff prediction!

1st seed – Seahawks
2nd seed – Packers
3rd seed – Cowboys
4th seed – Falcons
5th seed – Cardinals
6th seed – Lions

Cardinals @ Falcons = Falcons
Lions @ Cowboys = Cowboys

Falcons @ Seahawks = Seahawks
Cowboys @ Packers = Packers

Packers @ Seahawks = Seahawks

Patriots AFC vs Seahawks NFC = Seahawks
Super Bowl MVP = 12th Man (accepted on behalf of by Russell Wilson)

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feels free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 16

With two regular season games left week 16 has the Seahawks with one foot in the playoffs and the other outside looking in. The Cardinals clinched, the 49ers are out and five teams remain playing for the last four playoff spots. A Dallas win gives Seattle the current wild-card tie breaks and finally for the first time this year the Seahawks are in control of their own playoff destiny.

After weeks of hoping for upset victories in the rest of the NFC this week it will be just one game that has Seattle in the playoffs or possibly sitting at home next month watching them.

 

Seahawks (10-4) @ Cardinals (11-3)

All the talk about Arizona quarterbacks is leaving something unsaid. Mainly, that there’s nothing wrong with the Cardinals defense. That should cause some concern in the Pacific Northwest since it won’t be their quarterback sacking ours.

Seattle was giving up an average of 2 sacks a game through the first 11 weeks but everything changed in week 12 when the Arizona defense came to town. During that game the Cardinals sacked Wilson seven times starting a four game stretch that has now totaled 18 sacks. Playing at home with the #1 NFC Spot on the line the Arizona defense is going to do everything possible to add to that number this week.

The Cardinals have managed win after win with a defense that has kept games in reach and an offense that only has to do just enough. This should sound awfully familiar to any Seahawks fan. While the Seattle offensive line has noticeably improved on run blocking the last few weeks the pass blocking has not shown signs of such. On the road in Arizona the Seahawks line is going to have to clamp down and play better than it has or its only going to take a backup quarterback to beat us.

While he holds for their field goal kicker.

 

Seahawks week 16 playoff scenarios

1st seed – Seahawks win with a Cowboys loss
1st seed – Seahawks win with a Packers or Lions win
2nd seed – Seahawks, Cowboys, Cardinals tied at 11-4
5th seed – Seahawks win

If the Seahawks lose then any 3 way tie keeps them in the wild-card spot. A head to head with the Cowboys moves them down and out to #7.

 

Bonus Scenario Games!

Colts (10-4) @ Cowboys (10-4)

Only thing that matters here is that the Seahawks hold tie breakers over all the other playoff teams except for Dallas. A Cowboys loss with two more Seahawks wins means the road to the Super bowl is going through Seattle again this year. Go Colts!

 

Lions (10-4) @ Bears (6-8)

The Lions looked terrible last week while mistakes by the Vikings won the game for them. Heading into the Bears this week I’m sure Detroit will be looking to make a statement win while trying to clinch a wild-card spot and possibly a #2 seed with a first round bye in the playoffs. This is something we don’t want to see happen. Go Bears!

 

Packers (10-4) @ Buccaneers (2-12)

The Bills did it! They actually did it! After weeks of hanging our hopes on the NFC Buccaneers, Vikings, Falcons and Rams for any playoff help the AFC East showed ‘em all how it’s done when the Bills won at home versus the Packers.

What the hell does that have to do with this weeks game? Well nothing really, but it means we don’t have to spend this weekend sacrificing fried chickens to the Skittle Gods pleading for an upset. Go Pizza Hut!

 

Eagles (9-5) @ Redskins (3-11)

A loss by the Eagles to the Cowboys last week gives Seattle some breathing room. Another loss this week at Washington means that Seattle almost clinches a wild-card spot even if they lose at Cardinals this week and versus Rams to end the season. Go Redskins!

 

Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

Seahawks (10-4)

@ Cardinals (11-3)
Rams (6-8)

Cardinals (10-3)

Seahawks (10-4)
@ 49ers (7-7)

Rams (6-8)

Giants (5-9)
@ Seahawks (10-4)

49ers (7-7)

Chargers (8-6)
Cardinals (11-3)

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 15

Entering into Week 15 the Seahawks are still playing elimination football with only three weeks left in the regular season. A win keeps them in the current playoff picture but a loss might see Seattle moved down to a #7 spot on the outside looking in.

While the upcoming home game against the 49ers presents Seattle with a grand opportunity to knock a division rival out of the post season it’s also a game they cannot afford to lose. The week 14 playoff picture saw Seattle looking for help from the rest of the NFC. Any win by the Bears, Bucs, Chiefs or Falcons would help secure a playoff spot for the good guys.

What happened? They lost. Every single one of them.

The Bears game was never close. The Bucs looked good during the opening quarter before falling apart. Atlanta gave Green Bay a run for their money but fell short. And the Chiefs? Facing a Cardinals team so wracked with injuries they are down to using cheerleaders in its sub rotation still couldn’t hold onto a second half lead for the win.

Gee, thanks for nothing NFC.

Traveling across country to Philadelphia the Seahawks knew it was a game they had to win. And going up against the much lauded fast passed Eagles offense on top of that! What a dark hour for the Pacific Northwest. Fans saw pretty much what we were all told to expect as the Seahawks defense was assaulted with a veritable storm of plays while the Eagles put up 14 points on 139 yards of offense in only 18 minutes. Can you believe that? So it turned out to be a good thing indeed that Seattle had the ball for the other 42 minutes.

Whew! Close call.

Sarcasm aside, Seattle needed the win, made it happen, and they hold onto the #5 wild-card spot for one more week. That’s the good news. The bad news? With three weeks left to play a win only keeps the Seahawks stuck in a three-way tie for that #5 spot. Dallas holds the head to head tie breaker and is poised to knock Seattle down and out to #7 once the log jam breaks. The Seahawks are going to need help from the rest of the NFC and those prospects, just like last week, are looking awfully grim.

Here are the four week 15 games that could either see Seattle in the playoffs or sitting at home next month watching them.

 

Vikings (6-7) @ Lions (9-4)

With Tampa Bay failing to come through last week Seattle this time around is counting on the Vikings to travel to Detroit and knock off their NFC North rival. This game is a must win for the Vikings or be officially eliminated from the playoffs. A win by Minnesota will also keep the Seahawks in the current playoff picture no matter what happens in the rest of the NFC. If the Lions win this week they will be one game away from clinching a wild-card spot and leaving eight other teams, including the Seahawks, reaching for the last one. Go Vikings!

 

Cowboys (9-4) @ Eagles (9-4)

Dallas enters week 15 tied atop the NFC East with Philadelphia heading into a Clash of the Titans game that will decide for their division once and for all … absolutely nothing.

Excited yet?

With two games still remaining the title will still be up for grabs no matter the outcome. However for Seattle, also at (9-4), this game is going to rearrange the chairs at the wild-card table. The Cowboys remaining schedule is @ Eagles, Colts, @ Redskins. The Eagles will play Cowboys, @ Redskins, @ Giants.

Since Dallas holds the tie breaker Seattle is going to have to beat them on win/loss record for the last wild-card spot. The only thing keeping us in there right now is our three-way tie with the Lions that moves down the Cowboys for us to #7. Looking at remaining team schedules I’m going to say that the Seahawks need an Eagles win here. Hopefully we didn’t break anything while we were there last week and Philadelphia comes out ahead. Go Eagles!

 

Cardinals (10-3) @ Rams (6-7)

Considering the other week 15 match-ups this is most likely Seattle’s only ray of hope.

The Rams have been playing some insane football and will host their NFC West rival in a game they have to win or be officially eliminated from the playoffs. A Cardinals win means they clinch a wild-card spot no matter what happens in the rest of the NFC. A Cardinals win might also create a four-way tie for the remaining wild-card spot with the Seahawks standing third in line.

Not good.

This will be a short week Thursday Night game on the road for the NFC #1 playoff seed Cardinals. Seattle needs St. Louis to keep playing like they have and get the win.

As a side story to that game, forgetting for a moment the playoffs entirely, for all of us fans a Cardinals loss with a Seahawks win might be the very best of week 15 outcomes. Why? Because this will tie both teams at (10-6) with Seattle @ Arizona next week in a winner take all NFC West Championship game. How cool would that be? The playoffs could be starting two weeks early in the Pacific Northwest. Go Rams!

 

49ers (7-6) @ Seahawks (9-4)

If Seattle wins they stay in the current playoff picture no matter what the rest of the NFC does. A loss by the Seahawks means that only a Vikings win can save us. Go Seahawks!

Seahawks week 15 playoff scenarios:

1st seed – Seahawks win with a Cardinals & Packers loss
2nd seed – Seahawks win with a Cardinals & Cowboys loss
3rd seed – Seahawks & Cowboys win with a Cardinals loss
5th seed – Seahawks win
5th seed – Seahawks loss with a Vikings win

 

Bonus Scenario game!

Packers (10-3) @ Bills (7-6)

While not having anything to do with the Seahawks being in the playoffs, if the road to the Super Bowl is going to go through Seattle again this year then the Packers need to lose a game.

The Falcons couldn’t do it on Monday Night and next up we have the Bills getting a chance to make that happen. If Buffalo looks over at the NFC West and says better luck next week then our hopes are going to rest on the Buccaneers pulling off the impossible at home. In a universe that gave us a Panthers win at Saints to go with a Raiders win over the 49ers last week would this really be too much to ask for?

Yeah, most likely.

So if neither of these two teams can get a win over the Packers then it will all come down to a season ending game with the Lions @ Packers. Can you believe that crap? Seattle cheering on Golden Tate. What the hell is going on around here. Like I said at the top of this article, prospects are looking grim.

 

Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

Seahawks (9-4)

49ers (7-6)
@ Cardinals (10-3)
Rams (6-7)

Cardinals (10-3)

@ Rams (6-7)
Seahawks (9-4)
@ 49ers (7-6)

Rams (6-7)

Cardinals (10-3)
Giants (4-9)
@ Seahawks (9-4)

49ers (7-6)

@ Seahawks (9-4)
Chargers (8-5)
Cardinals (10-3)

.

The West Report

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 14

Heading into the final quarter of the season week 14 sees the Seahawks playing elimination football. A win keeps ‘em in and puts the Seahawks on track for a possible 1st round playoff bye. A loss this week could leave Seattle needing help for a wild-card spot and those prospects are looking awfully grim.

The downside of stacking divisional games at the end of the season for the NFC is that the teams already in the playoffs are pretty much going to stay there. Failing a season ending slump, most of the divisional games no matter who wins just rearrange the seed spots for the same 8 teams. The top teams of each division play the worst teams in each division so the Seahawks can’t hope for one playoff team to knock another out clearing up a spot for us to claim. Instead of mixing and matching scenarios Seattle is going to spend the next couple of weeks hoping for a lot of upset victories in our rival divisions.

Here are the four week 14 games that can make or break playoff hopes in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Cowboys (8-4) @ Bears (5-7)

The Cowboys enter week 14 tied with Seattle for a wild-card spot and a game behind Philadelphia in the NFC East. A win by Dallas gives them the #6 seed or keeps them tied for it while holding the head to head tie break over Seattle. Even with a loss to the Bears they can still grab the last wild-card spot from Seattle with help from the rest of the NFC. Heading into the final four game stretch the Seahawks really need Dallas to start it off with a loss at Chicago before final games @ Eagles, Colts, @ Redskins. Go Bears!

 

Buccaneers (2-10) @ Lions (8-4)

Tampa Bay found a way to seize defeat from the jaws of victory last week. The Seahawks are hoping that trend doesn’t continue with the Buccaneers somehow managing the big upset. If Tampa Bay walks away with the win here then the Seahawks stay in the playoffs no matter what happens this week in the rest of the NFC. A Lions loss also has them on the outside looking in at #7 or up into a #6 with the Bears upset win over Dallas. If the Lions win at home over the Buccaneers then they’ll almost clinch a wild-card spot heading into final games vs. Vikings, @ Bears, @ Packers while holding the tie breaker versus the Cowboys. Go Buccaneers!

 

Chiefs (7-5) @ Cardinals (9-3)

For all the Seahawks fans out there from the AFC West days, a win by the Chiefs will most likely see three of our old divisional teams holding a spot in the playoffs. How cool is that? And the cherry on top? The Raiders are dead last at (1-11) the season after we won the Super Bowl versus the Broncos! Just doesn’t get much better than that. Well, other than winning back to back Super Bowls against our old division, this time the Chiefs. But lets just enjoy the moment.

Ahhh.

Ok, so after that happy thought, here’s another. A Cardinals loss with a Seahawks win moves Seattle up into the #2 spot with a 1st round playoff bye as the NFC West Leader with three games left to go. For the first time this season the Seahawks would be in the divisional drivers seat and in control of their own playoff destiny.

A win by Arizona however will place them one game away from clinching a wild-card spot with some help next week and possibly see them with a two game divisional lead. That would throw the Seahawks, Eagles, Cowboys, Lions and 49ers back into a pile chasing after the last three playoff spots with Seattle facing the toughest remaining schedule. Go Chiefs!

 

Seahawks (8-4) @ Eagles (9-3)

If Seattle wins they stay in the current playoff picture no matter what the rest of the NFC does. A loss by the Seahawks means that only a Buccaneers win can save us. Go Seahawks!

Seahawks week 14 playoff scenarios

1st seed – Seahawks win with a Packers & Cardinals loss.

2nd seed – Seahawks win with a Cardinals loss

5th seed – Seahawks win

6th seed – Seahawks loss with a Bucs win

 

Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

 

Seahawks (8-4)   Opponents (30-18)

@ Eagles (9-3)

49ers (7-5)

@ Cardinals (9-3)

Rams (5-7)

Cardinals (9-3)   Opponents (27-21)

Chiefs (7-5)

@ Rams (5-7)

Seahawks (8-4)

@ 49ers (7-5)

Rams (5-7)   Opponents (23-25)

@ Redskins (3-9)

Cardinals (9-3)

Giants (3-9)

@ Seahawks (8-4)

49ers (7-5)   Opponents (26-22)

@ Raiders (1-11)

@ Seahawks (8-4)

Chargers (8-4)

Cardinals (9-3)

.

The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feels free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Seahawks: Playoff Watch Week 13

A week 12 win moves my Seahawks into the playoffs with a #6 wild-card seed by a fingernail over the 49ers. A Thursday Night game at San Francisco will determine which team gets to stay in.

Here’s the three games that might make or break the post season hopes in Seattle heading into week 13.

Eagles (8-3) @ Cowboys (8-3)

Failing a season ending slump over the remaining five games one of these teams is going to edge out the Seahawks or 49ers from the playoffs. Based on the remaining schedule I’m going to say that Seattle needs the Cowboys to win here, but judge for yourselves. After this game Dallas plays @ Bears, @ Eagles, vs Colts and @ Redskins. The Eagles will play vs Seahawks, vs Cowboys, @ Redskins and @ Giants.

Bears (5-6) @ Lions (7-4)

An upset win by Chicago sees the Lions finishing the season at worse (9-7) with later losses @ Chicago and @ Packers. A win by the lions means they will finish at least (10-6) with victories @ Buccaneers and vs Vikings with a 50/50 chance Detroit edges out the Seahawks from the playoffs at (11-5). Go Bears!

Seahawks (7-4) @ 49ers (7-4)

Looking at the rest of the season schedule this weeks game is more of a must win for Seattle than it is for the 49ers. While not giving Seattle a lock on a playoff spot, a win puts them one more victory away from being in control of their own playoff destiny with five games remaining. For the 49ers a win this week is just more elbow room before playing @ Raiders then finishing the season with two of three games at home.

Juggling the probability dice the Seahawks and 49ers can split home games over the next three weeks and we could still see the Cardinals, Seahawks and 49ers all making the playoffs. How cool would that be? But why take chances, Go Seahawks!

 

Here’s how the rest of the season looks for the NFC West.

 

Seahawks (7-4) Opponents (35-20)

@ 49ers (7-4)
@ Eagles (8-3)
49ers
@ Cardinals (9-2)
Rams (4-7)

Cardinals (9-2) Opponents (29-26)

@ Falcons (4-7)
Chiefs (7-4)
@ Rams (4-7)
Seahawks (7-4)
@ 49ers (7-4)

Rams (4-7) Opponents (23-32)

Raiders (1-10)
@ Redskins (3-8)
Cardinals (9-2)
Giants (3-8)
@ Seahawks (7-4)

49ers (7-4) Opponents (31-24)

Seahawks (7-4)
@ Raiders (1-10)
@ Seahawks
Chargers (7-4)
Cardinals (9-2)

.

 

The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feels free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

NFC West: Seahawks Playoff Watch

Week 12 sees my Seahawks on the outside looking in. Even with a sweep of all four remaining games against both the Cardinals and 49ers the Seahawks still aren’t in control of their own playoff destiny. We’re gonna need some help and it’s not looking good for some of it.

Here are the six Week 12 games that might make or break our playoff hopes.

Cardinals (9-1) @ Seahawks (6-4)

Not exactly a must win but damn near. With a loss at home the Seahawks start rolling the probability dice to get into the playoffs. And with the way the refs are calling games this year I wouldn’t place any bets on ‘em.

Titans (2-8) @ Eagles (7-3)

Pray for the upset. A win by the Titans with a win at home by the Seahawks moves Seattle back into the playoffs with a number 6 seed no matter what the 49ers do. With the Eagles remaining schedule that includes at home vs Seattle in week 14 an upset here would really shake things up. Unlikely but stranger things have happened this year.

Packers (7-3) @ Vikings (4-6)

Here’s another long shot that would help if the Titans lose at Philadelphia. If the Vikings can pull off the upset then again, Seattle is in the playoffs with a number 6 seed with a win at home no matter what the 49ers do. Seattle also owns the tie breaker victory from week 1 against Green Bay. Moving the lions back up into 1st place for the NFC North would work in our favor if we can sweep the 49ers and win at home vs the Cardinals.

Lions (7-3) @ Patriots (8-2)

A loss by Detroit moves them down into 2nd place for the NFC North. With their remaining schedule there is an outside chance we might beat them out for the last wild-card spot on win/loss record.

Cowboys (7-3) @ Giants (3-7)

The Giants have lost two in a row and are due a win. Since Dallas has the tie breaker with their win at Seattle we need to beat them on strength of record. Here’s hoping the cold in New York gets to them and the Cowboys walk away with a loss.

Redskins (3-7) @ 49ers (6-4)

Good luck Washington. We’re cheering for you.

 

How the rest of the season looks for the NFC West

Seahawks (6-4)     Opponents (41-19)

Cardinals (9-1)
@ 49ers (6-4)
@ Eagles (7-3)
49ers
@ Cardinals
Rams (4-6)

Cardinals (9-1)     Opponents (33-27)

@ Seahawks (6-4)
@ Falcons (4-6)
Chiefs (7-3)
@ Rams (4-6)
Seahawks
@ 49ers (6-4)

Rams (4-6)     Opponents (27-33)

@ Chargers (6-4)
Raiders (0-10)
@ Redskins (3-7)
Cardinals (9-1)
Giants (3-7)
@ Seahawks (6-4)

49ers (6-4)     Opponents (30-30)

Redskins (3-7)
Seahawks (6-4)
@ Raiders (0-10)
@ Seahawks
Chargers (6-4)
Cardinals (9-1)

.

 

The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feels free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.