NFL FOOTBALL BETTING PREDICTION - WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

NFL Football

2008-01-05 - Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks

A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle enter this wild card match up at home as the reigning NFC West Champions and the number 3 seed in the NFC. They finished the season with a 10-6 record and were a strong home team where they finished 7-1. This stadium is one of the loudest, if not THE loudest, in the NFL and can cause problems for any opposition team.

The Seahawks come into the playoffs with little momentum as they lost 2 of their last 3 regular season games. Last week they played the majority of their starters on defense but were still shredded for 44 points by the Atlanta Falcons and their lack of running game is beginning to cause them problems as opposition defenses throw everything to pressurise Matt Hasselbeck. The defense had held teams to less than 24 points in each of their previous 7 matches before last week.

Matt Hasselbeck did suffer a sore wrist last weekend in the loss to Atlanta but will be fit to start in this match. Deion Branch will be a game time decision.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Washington took the final wild card spot and the number 6 seed in the NFC with their win over the Dallas Cowboys last weekend. Washington finished the season with a 9-7 record to become the third team from the NFC East to make the playoffs this season. The Redskins will have to win 3 road games if they wish to take part in the SuperBowl this season and their record of 4-4 on the road does not bode well on that front.

Momentum is a big thing in the playoffs and there isnt another team in the NFC with more than Washington at the moment. They won their last 4 games to make it here, all since the funeral of Free Safety Sean Taylor. The defense has really stepped up over these last 4 weeks, holding teams to an average of 13.25 points per game, while the offense has reached at least 22 points in each game. They won their last 2 road games in virtual playoff atmospheres at the Giants and Minnesota and it might be tough for them in playing their 3rd road game in 4 weeks.

Todd Collins will continue as QB for the Redskins even though Jason Campbell is close to return.

STATISTICS

Washington and Seattle have met 5 times since 2001, and Washington have won all 4 regular season games. However Seattle won the last meeting between the sides which was in the playoffs here 2 years ago.

Seattle were 6-2 against the spread at home, while Washington ended 4-3-1 on the road. The Redskins have won 4 straight against the spread while Seattle have lost 2 of their last 3. The Redskins have also won 4 of the last 5 against the spread in matches against Seattle, although Seattle won the last meeting.

It looks almost definately set for rain tomorrow and its duration may just force the Seahawks to run the ball more than they want to. The Redskins will be used to playing in extreme conditions as their win in New York against the Giants was with a heavy wind.

The other factor that could possibly come into play is the fact that Washington are coming into Seattle, meaning a big change in timezones. Seattle had a 1-4 record when going the other way this season so that could point to the difficulties experienced by teams.

PREDICTION:

Washington are playing with momentum and have looked good under the guided approach taken by Todd Collins. They can run the ball and Santana Moss is providing a deep threat at receiver.

Seattle are mainly a pass first offense and the conditions expected might take their toll. They are also allowing Matt Hasselbeck to take too many hits and this could force them into too many 3rd and longs giving Washington field advantage too.

I think Washington keep this close and would not be surprised if they win this game to set up a 3rd meeting with Dallas this season.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

WASHINGTON MONEY LINE (SMALL STAKES)


UNDER 37.5 POINTS