Seahawks versus Falcons predictions: Our staff sees a happy day

The Seahawks will look to bounce back from a bad loss to the Ravens when they play the Falcons on Sunday. Our staff predicts the outcome.

The Seahawks are 5-2 but don’t seem overly impressive. Atlanta is 1-6 and just seem bad defensively. But even though Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is hobbling, he is capable of beating Seattle. Who wins when Seattle plays the Falcons in week 8? Here is what our staff thinks.

Colby Patnode, contributor and host of the 12th Man Rising podcast

For the second time in three weeks, the Seahawks are going on the road to face a team who’s season, and perhaps the employment of their head coach, is on the line. Expect Atlanta to give Seattle their best shot. The Seahawks are coming off a despicable offensive performance and have a chance to get right against the worst defense in the league. The Seahawks need to win their next two games before they take on the 49ers. Both teams should be plenty motivated. Pass rush could be the key to this game, as Matt Ryan can still dominate a game with Julio Jones and Austin Hooper if given time. But with Atlanta’s defense and Russell Wilson playing in a dome, I’ll take Seattle to rebound.

Prediction: Seahawks 31 Falcons 24

Blake Waldron, contributor

The Seahawks under Russell Wilson are 29-7 when following a loss. With the health of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan up in the air and their top corner, Desmond Trufant, ruled out, victory seems imminent for Seattle. The Falcons defense is ranked in the bottom half of the league in every defensive category which includes being dead last in 3rd down percentage and 31st in points per game. The Falcons will be able to keep it close for a half but in the 3rd quarter the Seahawks will pull away giving Chris Carson enough of a cushion to put on a show all of the 4th quarter. The Seahawks will breeze to a 4-0 start on the road.

Prediction: Seahawks 34 Falcons 21

Geoff Shull, contributor

The Falcons have a talented roster, don’t let the record fool you. With Duane Brown and Germain Ifedi questionable for this matchup the offensive line could look a lot different. Fortunately, Russell Wilson has the best record in the NFL in games after a loss. I fully expect Wilson to come out and take care of business to help improve our record to 6-2.

Prediction: Seahawks 34 Falcons 17

Todd Vandenberg, co-expert

The Falcons just aren’t a very good team anymore. You might debate just how good the Seahawks are despite their five wins. But by any reasonable measure, Seattle is the better team. Falcon’s QB Matt Ryan’s may be out; his availability won’t be known until Saturday. Even with Ryan, the Falcons offense is in the middle of the pack. The Atlanta defense is one of the NFL’s worst. They can’t stop the run or the pass. That’s a good thing, as the Seahawks may be short-handed on the offensive line. I expect both Russell Wilson and Chris Carson to bounce back in a big way.

Prediction: Seahawks 31 Falcons 19

Lee Vowell, co-expert

So, it seems like we think Seattle is either going to score 34 or 31 points, I guess? They haven’t scored 34 points yet this season. Seattle has scored 30 and 32 points in a game, however, but mostly finish in the upper 20s. I think even against a bad Falcons defense this is where Seattle will wind up. The Seahawks have a way of playing up or down to their competition lately. I still think Seattle wins but it will be close.

Prediction: Seahawks 28 Falcons 24