Seahawks versus Jaguars: Prediction and how to watch
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks travel to newly improved Jacksonville on Sunday to play the Jaguars. Both teams are 8-4 and fighting to win their respective divisions. Who wins on Sunday?
Seahawks versus Jaguars. The last time these two teams played Russell Wilson was in his second season and Seattle was on its way to winning a Super Bowl. Yes, this was the magical 2013 season when Seattle smothered teams with its defense and controlled the game offensively on the ground.
Who does this sound like this year? The Jacksonville Jaguars, that is who. The Jaguars rank first in points-allowed, total yards allowed and opponent passer rating. The only “weakness” Jacksonville may have is in rushing defense. Jacksonville gives up 4.5 yards a rush which is 28th in the NFL. The bad thing about that is the Seahawks can’t really run the ball.
So how can Seattle win on Sunday? Russell Wilson has to have another great game. But he shouldn’t have to get 41 points to win, or anywhere near it. If Seattle can get to 21, they should win. Blake Bortles is the Jaguars quarterback and he is inconsistent. In the Jaguars four losses, Bortles has three touchdown passes but five interceptions. He also has a quarterback rating of just 64.2. Bortles has also been sacked 11 times in those four games.
In wins, however, Bortles has been much better. He has thrown for 11 touchdowns against three interceptions. He has been sacked just nine times in eight wins.
So this game comes down to the same thing it does every week for Seattle: Wilson and the defense. If the Seahawks can get pressure on Bortles and force him into mistakes and if Wilson can stay upright he can get Seattle enough points. Russell Wilson versus Blake Bortles? One has to take Wilson, right?
Prediction: Jaguars 45 Seattle 3 (I never pick Seattle win because I jinx them. But realistically they have a good chance of doing so on Sunday if Wilson has time.)
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Where, when and how to watch the Seahawks and Jaguars
When: Sunday, December 10th at 1:25 pm PT
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
All-time Matchup: Seahawks lead 5-2
How to Watch:
TV: FOX (Q13 in Seattle), Sunday Ticket on DirectTV
Announcers: Chris Myers (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst) and Laura Okmin (sidelines)
Twitter stream: @12thMan_Rising
Online replay: NFL Game Pass (with subscription)
Related Story: How Seahawks can beat Jaguars on Sunday...
Listen: 710 ESPN Seattle and KIRO RADIO 97.3 and Westwood One