Seahawks versus Chiefs staff predictions: Somehow there’s still hope

The 7-7 Seahawks play the 11-3 Chiefs in Kansas City on Saturday (Christmas eve!). Kansas City is definitely going to the playoffs. Seattle absolutely must win at least two, and likely three, of the rest of the season. But the Chiefs have one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL as well as one of the better teams so Seattle earning a victory on Saturday will not be easy.

To begin with, KC might have the best quarterback of his generation playing for them. Patrick Mahomes is great enough to keep any game close (as long as his offensive line isn’t decimated with injuries and Mahomes’ offensive line seems just fine) and is usually excellent enough to win games. And when Mahomes isn’t hurting opposing defenses with his arm, he is more than capable of scrambling productively.

This is what hurt the Seahawks most on Saturday because Seattle’s run defense is horrible and any kind of containment is extremely difficult for the team. Mahomes doesn’t run a lot but he has scored 3 rushing touchdowns in 2022 and averages 6 yards a carry. He also has only been sacked 23 times which means Mahomes can move around in the pocket extremely well.

The good thing is Geno Smith of the Seahawks can also move around well and will need to be as the Chiefs are fourth in the NFL in sacks (43) and eighth in pressure percentage (23,7 percent). Smith won’t have Tyler Lockett to help either. DK Metcalf will need to be exceedingly good and find ways to get open on his own without having Lockett. Maybe Noah Fant will have his best game of 2022? Here are the picks.

Seahawks vs. Chiefs: Staff predictions for Week 16

Todd Vandenberg: Seattle 26 Chiefs 22

Jake Luppino: Seattle 35 Chiefs 31

Andrew Bailie: Seattle 30 Chiefs 27

Karley Sibert: Chiefs 30 Seattle 10

Matt Holm: Chiefs 31 Seattle 24

Max Downard: Chiefs 37 Seattle 21

Lee Vowell: Chiefs 35 Seattle 23