Our Sunday of NFL shenanigans wraps up with a good game on Sunday Night Football. The Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) bring the best record in the league to CenturyLink Field to face off against their sternest test of the season in the Seattle Seahawks (7-4).
SNF will be brought to you and yours by the NBC television network and its affiliates at 8:30 p.m.
The Game: Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (+5)
O/U: 47.0
The History
The Eagles and Seahawks have faced off 15 times with Seattle holding an 8-7 edge in the all time series.
They played last year on November 20, 2016 with the Seahawks winning 26-15. Russell Wilson finished 18 of 31 for 272 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 19 yards. C.J. Prosise had four carries for 76 yards and a score. Carson Wentz was 23 of 45 for 218 yards, two touchdowns and two picks.
Last year’s Seahawks’ victory was their third in a row in the series. Seattle has won five of the last six match ups dating back to December 5, 2005. In that game, the Seahawks won 42-0 thanks to three defensive scores. Philadelphia was quarterbacked by Koy Detmer and Mike McMahon who combined for a 17 of 39 passing day for 145 yards and four interceptions.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-1)
Philadelphia rolls into this game off a glorified bye, beating the Chicago Bears 31-3. Carson Wentz continued his MVP campaign, completing 23 of 36 for 227 yards and three touchdowns. On the season, Wentz has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 2,657 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
In spite of the addition of Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount still got the lions’ share of the carries last week. He had 15 for 97 yards. Ajayi carried the ball five times for 26 yards. Even with the addition of Ajayi, head coach Doug Pederson hasn’t lost Corey Clement’s contact information. Clement got five total touches for 39 yards.
The Eagles made some news Saturday by announcing they had signed Alshon Jeffery to a four-year contract extension. He caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. Tight end Zach Ertz had 10 catches for 103 yards and a score. Nelson Agholor has turned into a legitimate NFL receiver this season. He caught three balls for 32 yards and a TD.
On defense, the Eagles got two sacks and seven stops in the backfield. Only linebacker Joe Walker has any designation on the injury report. He’s officially questionable, but hasn’t practiced this week.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-4)
Seattle comes into this game with Kam Chancellor still out. For some reason, Pete Carroll hasn’t pulled the trigger on injured reserve just yet, but there’s little chance his star safety returns. Linebacker Josh Forrest is out with a foot injury and defensive end Dion Jordan is doubtful with a neck of his own. Back up offensive lineman Oday Aboushi is out with a shoulder.
Quarterback Russell Wilson continues to do all the work for the Seahawks offense. He was 20 of 34 for 228 yards, two touchdowns and an interceptions in a too close for comfort 24-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers last week. He added seven carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. If you take Wilson’s rushes out of the mix, Seattle managed just 65 yards on the ground.
Paul Richardson has really developed into Wilson’s favorite downfield weapon. He caught four passes for 70 yards last week. Jimmy Graham looks like his old Saints self in the red zone this year. He caught three balls for 43 yards and a TD.
Defensively the Seahawks got three sacks and eight stops in the backfield. The picked C.J. Beathard off once.
The Pick
There’s plenty of thoughts that the Eagles have yet to deliver a signature win in spite of their record. The truth is, their 10 victories have all come against teams that currently have a losing record. Will that make a difference against Seattle? I don’t think it will. Philadelphia is too complete a team and the Seahawks are dealing with too many injuries. I like Philly here. Eagles 27, Seahawks 20
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 1-0
Last week
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 10-6
Season
Straight up: 104-72
Against the spread: 91-85
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