Seattle, 49ers battle for NFC title
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE ON THE LINE AS SEAHAWKS LOOK TO LYNCH AT NFL SEASON FINALE
>>LOS ANGELES: “Beast Mode” is back in Seattle as Marshawn Lynch returns today to the Seahawks, who host the San Francisco 49ers in the final game of the NFL regular season with the NFC West division title on the line.
The 49ers can clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a victory over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
If the 12-3 Niners falter, the Seahawks could gain home field advantage with a win and defeats for both Green Bay and New Orleans.
“Can’t wait for it,” 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo said of the loud, hostile environment of Century Link Field.
San Francisco arrive as favourites, not least because of the rash of injuries affecting Seattle that prompted the Seahawks to take a chance that 33-yearold running back Lynch can make an immediate impact even though he hasn’t played since midway through last season with Oakland.
“Only one person can pull this off and that’s No.24,” linebacker KJ Wright said of Lynch, who played for the Seahawks from 2010-15. “Back in the building, it feels good. When I heard the news I was like, ‘Perfect.’”
Seahawks quarterback Wilson said he was “super-excited” to welcome back Lynch, and added that to his eye “Beast Mode” hasn’t lost a step.
“He’s been working,” Wilson said. “He looks great, looks explosive, looks fast, looks strong as ever. He’s got some special things he can do.”
While the losers of the game will still make the play-offs as a wild card, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the Seahawks were “thrilled” to find themselves playing for the division and a possible firstround bye.
Garoppolo admitted he was “kind of surprised” by the Seahawks decision to bring in Lynch and Robert Turbin after injuries to CJ Prosise and Chris Carson.
“Guy is a hell of a player,” Garoppolo said. “He was unreal when he was playing. We’ll see what he’s got.”
The NFC West is one of two division titles still up for grabs as all 32 teams are in action today.
Five teams are in contention for two remaining play-off berths and six clubs have a shot at three remaining first-round byes. The Green Bay Packers can clinch a first-round bye with a victory over the Detroit Lions — who have lost eight straight.
If the Packers win and San Francisco lose, Green Bay can also secure home field advantage.
The New Orleans Saints’ post-season schedule could also be affected by the outcome in Seattle.
Drew Brees and the Saints can secure home field advantage with a victory at Carolina and defeats or ties by either San Francisco or Green Bay.
The Philadelphia Eagles have the upper hand in the battle for the NFC East. They can lock it up with a victory over at the New York Giants.
The Eagles are riding a season-high three-game winning streak that includes their win last week over division rivals Dallas — who now must beat the Redskins and hope for Philadelphia to falter.
In the AFC, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have clinched their 11th straight AFC East title, and can secure a first-round bye with a victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The playoff-bound Houston Texans host a Tennessee Titans team who can earn a play-off berth with a win.
The Ravens, already assured of the top seed in the AFC, are expected to rest starters including quarterback Lamar Jackson when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers — who are still in the chase for a play-off berth.
TODAY’S FIXTURES
NY Jets at Buffalo, Cleveland at Cincinnati, Green Bay at Detroit, LA Chargers at Kansas City, Chicago at Minnesota, Miami at New England, Atlanta at Tampa Bay, New Orleans at Carolina, Washington at Dallas, Oakland at Denver, Arizona at LA Rams, Philadelphia at NY Giants, Indianapolis at Jacksonville, Pittsburgh at Baltimore, Tennessee at Houston, San Francisco at Seattle