The Seahawks Now Control Their Own Destiny in the Playoff Race

With the Seahawks win and the Lions, the Seahawks are in a favorable position in the NFC playoff race. They now control their own destiny.

The Seattle Seahawks took care of business this week, thrashing a depleted and overmatched Rams team on Thursday night. The Lions, who entered the week firmly entrenched as the two seed, did not. After Detroit’s loss to Eli Manning and the Giants dropped the Lions to 9-5, the Seahawks leaped the Lions in the NFC playoff standings.

The bye would be extremely helpful, as it means that Seattle will get an extra week to prepare for the NFC foe that will be headed their way. Plus, it will allow players like Russell Wilson (I’m still not convinced he’s healthy), CJ Prosise, Michael Bennett and others an additional week to recuperate in time for a potentially long playoff run.

In addition, Seattle could REALLY use home field advantage. In the five times that Seattle has made the playoffs under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks are 5-0 in home playoff games. This season, the Seahawks are the only NFL team currently undefeated at home (7-0), compared to a 2-4-1 record away from Century Link Field. Their four road losses this year (Los Angeles, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Green Bay) were some of the worst performances of the Pete Carroll era.

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The offense has 22 touchdowns at home, compared to only 8 on the road. While partially buoyed by Russell Wilson’s five-interception game at Green Bay, Seattle quarterbacks have still thrown four more interceptions on the road than at home. Wilson’s quarterback rating and completion percentage drop significantly away from Century Link Field.

While teams like the Packers and Falcons may still be in the hunt for a first-round bye, the team that poses the greatest threat for the second seed is Detroit. However, not only does Detroit have the 2nd hardest remaining schedule, but their trend of grinding out victories at the last second may finally come back to haunt them. Plus, the Lions are still in the midst of a battle for the NFC North, as the surging Packers refuse to quit.

Seattle’s remote chance to capture the number one seed ended Sunday night after Dak Prescott and the Cowboys clawed their way past Tampa Bay. However, two consecutive wins by Seattle would guarantee at least one home game in January.

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Getting a home playoff game might be imperative in Seattle’s quest to return to the Super Bowl. Luckily for them, they are in an ideal position to accomplish it.