2019 Wild Card: Seahawks at Eagles Picks & Predictions

Brady Henderson, *ESPN.com: Seahawks 23, Eagles 21 Bold prediction: The Seahawks will force at least two turnovers. They won the first meeting in Philadelphia thanks to five takeaways, and that was without Clowney. But he's back (albeit it at much less than 100%), and Quandre Diggs might be as well. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is playing his first playoff game and might not have his No. 1 target in Zach Ertz. Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: Eagles 26, Seahawks 20 Both of these teams are really banged up. But they were that way when they met in early December, a game won by the Seahawks on this same field. This time, the Eagles will win it. Carson Wentz is playing at a high level and I think that continues. The Eagles pass rush will steal the show here. Eagles will advance. Tim McManus, ESPN.com: Seahawks 28, Eagles 26 What to watch for: Eagles guard Brandon Brooks is out with a shoulder injury and tackle Lane Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday, meaning the right side of the line might be manned by backups Matt Pryor and Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The Seahawks are second to last in sacks this season (28), but defensive end Jadeveon Clowney & Co. will have some opportunities this week. Tadd Haislop, SportingNews.com:* Seahawks 27, Eagles 24 In an amazing turn of events, the Eagles not only are hosting a playoff game, but they are the team that will be impacted less by injuries. The Seahawks' holes on defense will be a problem against Carson Wentz in the QB's first playoff start, but the Eagles' defense has a bigger problem with Wilson. This will be another close game between two teams that seemingly only play in close games, and in that type of contest, we trust the Seahawks QB over almost anyone. Gregg Rosenthal, *NFL.com: Seahawks 23, Eagles 21 If the Seahawks are to win, some newer faces need to show up. Travis Homer certainly looked like Seattle's best back a week ago. Quinton Jefferson might be the team's best pass rusher left standing unless Jadeveon Clowney looks healthier this week. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks is out for the season with a torn ACL, hurting the Seahawks' one big defensive strength at the second level. Michael David Smith, ProFootballTalk.com: Seahawks 14, Eagles 10 MDS: I wouldn’t count the Eagles out. They’re playing at home, and they’re a team that has shown it can save its best for the postseason. But the Seahawks have the better roster, from top to bottom, and I expect them to emerge on top in a close and hard-fought game. Michael Florio, ProFootballTalk.com: Seahawks 27, Eagles 20 Florio’s take: It feels like Carson Wentz has spent 10 years in the NFL. (It’s actually his fourth season.) This will be his first playoff game. And while he’s been playing very well recently, the competition has been lackluster. The Seahawks are anything but. While not among the NFL’s elite teams, the Seahawks know how to win. And there’s something to be said for that during the win-or-go-home phase of the calendar. Tom Fornelli, CBSSports.com: Eagles 23, Seahawks 17 Seattle is not as good as its record suggests, and it's going on the road as a favorite against an Eagles team that may have injuries but has dealt with those injuries. It has adapted to them, and on Sunday afternoon, I like the Eagles to not only cover but win outright. Still, I'd rather have the points than not. Just in case Seattle does the thing it's done all season long: win a coin flip. Bob Condotta, SeattleTimes.com: Seahawks 27, Eagles 23 This has been a year of crazy back-and-forth games that the Seahawks usually find a way to win in the end. So why stop now? The Eagles are better positioned now than they were for Seattle’s win on Nov. 24, so expect a few more points this time. But also expect another game where Russell Wilson makes a key play or two in the final moments to pull it out. Adam Jude, SeattleTimes.com*: Eagles 19, Seahawks 17 The Seahawks peaked in November and are limping into the playoffs, having lost three of four. The Eagles hit rock bottom shortly after their home loss to the Seahawks, and they’ve been picking up steady momentum over the past month. Expect an ugly game Sunday — and an early end to a once-promising season for Seattle. More Picks From Around The Web Six of the ten polled so far at ESPN.com side with the Seahawks this Sunday. Five of seven writers at USA Today pick the Seahawks coming out on top on Sunday. Four of eight experts at CBSSports.com chose the Seahawks as victors this Sunday.

2019 Wild Card: Seahawks at Eagles Picks & Predictions

National media make their picks for Sunday’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles