Seahawks versus Eagles: Our staff is not so sure Seattle can win

The Seahawks face a touch road test on Sunday versus the Eagles. Who will win? This is what our staff thinks will occur in week 12.

The Seahawks are 8-2 with a bunch of close wins. Philadelphia is 5-5 with a lot of close losses. Both teams are battling for the playoffs so week 12 is important. Who wins? These are our staffs best guesses.

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

The Seahawks are coming off a bye week while the Eagles got banged up in a physical match-up against the Patriots. Philadelphia will be missing Lane Johnson, a big blow to their run game. However, the Seahawks could be without Jadeveon Clowney, their only player to generate a consistent pass rush. Seattle also has to travel across the country for an early kickoff and Philly is fighting for their playoff lives. Ultimately, I don’t think the Philly weapons can threaten the defense enough to score the 4 touchdowns it will take to beat Seattle. I’ll take the Seahawks on the back of a big Russell Wilson game.

Prediction: Seahawks 31 Eagles 23

Blake Waldron, contributor

Seattle seems to have everything going in their favor and traditionally are very good after a bye. Philadelphia will be without Lane Johnson who will be replaced by rookie Andre Dillard who has allowed the second highest pressure rate in the league. So by all accounts Seattle should soar to another victory. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be the case. The Eagles defensive line is ranked 4th in the league and I think they’ll find a way to bottle up both Chris Carson and Wilson, while being able to sit on underneath routes causing Wilson to hold onto the hall and take one too many sacks. Defensively for the Seahawks their pass rush starts and ends with Clowney. With him being a game-time decision it seems safe to assume that if he does play he will be on a snap count which will cause his impact to be limited. Despite some errant throws in recent weeks, Carson Wentz is still a playmaker in this league and will find enough ways to keep the Eagles season alive in front of the Philly faithful.

Prediction: Eagles 23 Seahawks 17

Geoff Shull, contributor

Seattle is top 5 in the passing game while the eagles are in the bottom half of the league defending it. In order for us to win, Seattle will need to unleash Russell and focus on the passing game as opposed to running the ball. The Eagles have one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL this year. So long as the coaches allow Russell to be Russell, I see no reason we can’t exit Sunday with a win.

Prediction: Seahawks 28 Eagles 21

Lee Vowell, co-expert

If you look at my record in predictions this season it won’t be good. It isn’t like I don’t have faith in the Seahawks, I just think I am a jinx if I pick them to win. I do feel a bit confident that Seattle can win this game after their big win and then having the bye week, but Philadelphia is also talented and with a good run defense. This is going to be a close game. I just think Seattle is turning the ball over too much and a mistake or two will cost them the game.

Prediction: Eagles 21 Seahawks 20