The Seattle Seahawks will be playing their first playoff game of the Mike Macdonald era. Of course, that only spans two seasons so far, and Macdonald has won double-digit games each year. What 12s don't know is how well his team will play when the lights of the brightest.
The good part for Seattle's Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers is that the weather will be as close to pristine as it could be for mid-January in the Pacific Northwest. Once fans are done with their hikes (and it is a perfect day to take a walk), 12s can settle in on their couches and watch nervously.
The weather also means that the Seahawks have a chance to do exactly what they need to do both offensively and defensively. Klint Kubiak's offense needs to run the ball well, and with not a chance of rain involved, Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet should not be slip-sliding around Lumen Field.
No rain should fall in the Divisional Round when the Seattle Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers
Defensively, Seattle's secondary shouldn't have an issue with footing in attacking and tackling 49ers ball-carriers. While Seattle didn't struggle with that in Week 18 in Santa Clara when playing San Francisco, one might have always been holding their breath while watching the rainy game in hopes that an accidental explosive play didn't happen.
No excuses exist for the Divisional Round, and that should play out perfectly for the Seahawks. Run the ball effectively and play incredible defense, and Seattle will be moving on to the NFC Championship game.
According to the Weather Channel, Seattle will be experiencing a beautiful day that goes against what the area normally gets in the winter months. No drizzle and the temperatures won't be overly chilly. Instead, the skies will be clear at kickoff, temps will hold in the mid-40s, and the wind will only get up to about 4 mph.
Kickoff at Lumen Field is set for 5 pm PT on Saturday, January 17. Should the Seattle Seahawks win, the team would next play the winner of the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears game in the NFC Championship game. That contest would also happen at Lumen Field as the Seahawks have home-field advantage in the NFC.
The 49ers won't be easy, though. They and the Seahawks know each other well, and this will be the third time the teams have met this season. San Francisco won in Week 1, and Seattle won in Week 18. Let's just hope quarterback Sam Darnold is healthy and plays well.