Philadelphia Eagles (10-1 SU, 9-2 ATS) vs. Seattle Seahawks (7-4 SU, 4-6-1 ATS)
Week 13 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday Night Football, December 3, 2017 at 8:30PM EST
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: NBC
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Point Spread: PHI -5/SEA +5
Over/Under Total: 47
The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in a big NFC showdown from CenturyLink Field. On Sunday, the Eagles continued their fine play with a dominant 31-3 home-win over the Chicago Bears. It was their ninth straight win and they are also covering spreads, with Sunday being the 8th straight time they've brought home the bacon for their backers. But they face a Seattle team that is eager to atone for losing two straight at home. On Sunday, however, the Seahawks were able to come off a MNF loss the previous week to the Falcons and beat the 49ers on the road, 24-13. A win over what looks to be the division frontrunner in the Eagles would be big for a Seattle team looking to break through with a big statement.
Rather than take their foot off the gas with this big winning-streak, the Eagles keep getting better and since coming off the bye two weeks ago, they have beaten the Cowboys and Bears by a combined score of 68-12. Those awaiting a coming-down-to-earth might never see it happen. They are doing great things on both sides of the ball. The 31 they scored on Sunday was actually their low-point total of the last five games. This could be the most-trying part of the season, with this being their first of three straight road games. On Sunday, they got big plays on both sides of the ball to secure the conclusive win.
After another sterling showcase from Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz, it's clear that he is rapidly rising to the ranks of elite quarterbacks. On Sunday, he threw three TD passes and typically added some useful runs along the way. He connected with Nelson Agholor, Alshon Jeffery, and Zach Ertz for TD scores. Four different runners had at least 25 yards on the ground, with Wentz, LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi, and Corey Clement making some nice runs on the day. Blount led the way with 97 yards. Their run-game has become a versatile group with a lot of firepower. At 32 points a game on average, the Eagles' offense is the top-scoring group in the NFL.
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The Philly defense has started to show more teeth over the last few weeks, allowing very little from opposing offenses. Their front is merciless and clearly the top defense against the rush in the entire league. Up-front, Fletcher Cox, Vinny Curry, Tim Jernigan, and Brandon Graham have been a handful. Graham and Cox both had sacks on Sunday. Against Chicago, Corey Graham took an interception and returned it 59 yards, with Malcolm Jenkins also securing a pick. They are solid across all areas.
While not lighting the world on fire, Seattle has managed 5 wins in their last 7 games, with both losses being by a 3-point margin. Still, they look to give the hometown faithful something to cheer this week. Against San Francisco, they were fairly dominant, carrying a 24-6 lead late until the Niners added on a garbage-touchdown. Seattle was able to make the most of what they got on offense, while the defense prevented San Fran from getting any foothold. They look for more of that formula this week.
Seattle's offense has become pretty dependent on the passing-game. They just can't seem to find the right combination of backs, with seemingly a different approach each passing week. Against the 49ers, it was Eddie Lacy getting most of the work and he managed only 46 yards. Russell Wilson ran in a score and threw two more touchdowns, with tight ends Jimmy Graham and Nick Vannett hauling in the scoring grabs. Paul Richardson led the team in receiving with 70 yards. WR Doug Baldwin was pretty quiet. The line was able to keep Wilson insulated from the pass-rush, something they will need this week. This front should really be tested. And if they can't get a run-game established, which is a big possibility against the Philly "D," they will be left with an aerial attack that can be good, but hasn't been very consistent this season.
The Seattle defense was good against San Fran and it's still a defense that can be stout. But they aren't as bankable as in years past, with injuries being a major culprit. The Legion of Boom is down to Earl Thomas, with Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman on IR, along with young CB Shaquill Griffin missing action with a concussion. On Sunday, Bobby Wagner had an interception and was getting after the quarterback, while Michael Bennett and reserve end Marcus Smith, II. had sacks. The question for the purposes of this game is whether or not this defense is still equipped to contain an offense of the caliber of the Eagles. At home, maybe they can come up with the right answers, but they are a diminished group with so many key guys missing.
The Seahawks have a lot to play for here, both in terms of their playoff standing, but also from a confidence standpoint. The Eagles will really be tested in the next three games, all of them coming on the road. This is a faraway road game against a team that should have an edge. It won't be easy. But the Seahawks are going to have to come up with something special, while the Eagles just have to keep doing what they've been doing. And if one were eager to time a bad game for Philadelphia, this doesn't seem like the spot to do it. In a straightforward pick where we're trying hard not to outsmart ourselves, we're taking Philly.
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on the Philadelphia Eagles minus 5 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today by signing up and betting the Eagles vs. Seahawks at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
