Atlanta Falcons vs Seahawks: Week 11 staff predictions

Writer: Erik Sandelin

This will be another difficult matchup for Atlanta, though the tough game I thought they’d have last week against the Cowboys never materialized. Still, the Seahawks are pretty much completely healthy on offense (despite missing C.J. Prosise and Chris Carson and Eddie Lacy being questionable at RB), and trying to get a win at CenturyLink Field is difficult for anybody. Typical Seattle weather — rain and temps in the 40s – is being predicted for Monday night, too.

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The good news for the Falcons is that Seattle’s D is banged up, likely missing Kam Chancellor along with definitely missing Richard Sherman (though they will get Earl Thomas back). If Alex Mack and Co. can keep Matt Ryan clean, he stands to have a big day against that depleted secondary. That would be a big help, as without Devonta Freeman the Dirty Birds’ running game could struggle against the Seahawks top ten (in terms of yards allowed per game) rushing defense.

What’s really encouraging about last week’s win was the way it happened. Both the offense and the defense were clicking. Offensively, they appeared to go back to last year’s offense in some ways. Running the ball 34 times (32 without Freeman). Running the ball with traditional formations and personnel packages. Manning up in that first goal-line situation and simply being tougher and more physical than Dallas to get the touchdown. Gone were the empty backfield jet sweeps and lining up in the shotgun and throwing in short yardage situations. I’m hopeful that winning that way breeds confidence and shakes this team out of its doldrums.

If Steve Sarkisian calls this game the way he called the Dallas game, I like the Falcons chances, Even without Freeman. Even playing in a cold rain. Even dealing with Seattle’s fabled “12th man.” They’ll need this one, because the road doesn’t get any easier, and there appear to be a lot of playoff caliber teams in the NFC this year.

Prediction: Atlanta 21, Seattle 20