Week 11: Seahawks vs Falcons Picks & Predictions

Check out which side the national media is predicting to win Monday night's matchup between the Seahawks and Falcons at CenturyLink Field. Brady Henderson at ESPN.com thinks the Falcons take the matchup, 27-24, "The Seahawks are still reeling from their win over Arizona last week, when seven players were unable to finish the game because of injury. Without Sherman and potentially without Chancellor, Seattle's secondary could be vulnerable against Jones and Ryan. Duane Brown (ankle) is also a question mark, which is particularly worrisome after Adrian Clayborn had his way with Dallas' backup left tackles last week. This matchup would favor the Seahawks if they were at full strength. They're an NFL-best 21-3-1 in prime-time games under Pete Carroll, including 13-1 at CenturyLink Field. But it's looking as though they won't be anywhere near close to full strength in this one." Vaughn McClure at ESPN.com thinks Atlanta will take advantage of Seattle's injuries in the secondary and win 28-24, "The Falcons have their own injury concern with Devonta Freeman likely out because of a concussion, but the combination of Matt Ryan to Jones should take advantage of the Seahawks' depleted secondary." Elliot Harrison at NFL.com sides with the Seahawks, 27-24, "With Devonta Freeman in concussion protocol, and Bobby Wagner at MLB, running will be tough bidness for Atlanta." Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com thinks Atlanta will win by the narrowest of margins, 28-27, "The Falcons seemed to find something last week on offense, and I think that carries over here. The Falcons had a big fourth quarter in last year's loss, so expect Matt Ryan to have another good day and win a shootout." Michael David Smith and Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com each pick the Seahawks to win (20-17 and 20-13), with MDS writing, "The Falcons played one of their best games of the season on Sunday and the Seahawks are struggling with injuries, but I still like Seattle to take this one."Chris Simms at BleacherReport.com gives the edge to Atlanta, 23-21, "Atlanta may not be as explosive as it was last year, but people seem to forget that last year's offense was a historic one." David Steele at Sporting News projects a 26-21 Seahawks win, "As unreliable as the Falcons offense is, the Seahawks had better dial up something special to cover for the absence of half of the Legion of Boom in order to slow down Matt Ryan. The good news for them: If any staff or unit can do it, this one can." Benjamin Hoffman at The New York Times gives the advantage to Atlanta. Jim Moore at 710Sports.com outlines why he believes the Falcons will emerge with a three-point win, 27-24. Four of eight experts at CBSSports.com predict a Seattle win, four of five writers at USA Today side with the Seahawks, eight of 10 analysts at ESPN.com predict a Seattle win, and five of eight polled at SBNation.com like the Seahawks on Monday night.