Seahawks (11-5) at Eagles (9-7)
Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia TV: NBC
Danny Sheridan’s line: Seattle by 2
Seahawks’ keys to victory: RB Rashaad Penny gashed the Eagles for 129 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries when the teams met in November, but he and two other running backs have since been injured. RB Marshawn Lynch arrived in Week 17 and offers a different dimension, even after going almost a year without carrying the ball. QB Russell Wilson will test the Eagles’ vulnerable secondary deep with WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. The Seahawks’ inconsistent defense must get solid efforts from DE Jadeveon Clowney and ILB Bobby Wagner.
Eagles’ keys to victory: The Eagles must continue to do what has worked over the past four games – getting RBs Miles Sanders and Boston Scott on the perimeter and allowing TE Dallas Goedert to control the middle of the field. The Eagles will be without star TE Zach Ertz, but TEs Josh Perkins and Richard Rodgers have been formidable in spurts. QB Carson Wentz will be playing in his first postseason game, and there’s sure to be some nervousness. Coach Doug Pederson has to get Wentz started off early with a few easy throws.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks DE Jadeveon Clowney vs. Eagles LT Jason Peters. Peters is the legend and future Hall of Famer, but his game has slipped some this season. Clowney is primed for a breakout game in the postseason.
Who wins? Wentz was counted out as a franchise quarterback after he fumbled and threw two costly interceptions in the November loss to the Seahawks. But he has been much better since then.
Eagles, 24-17