W2W4: New England Patriots (7-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1)
By Hal Bent
SUMMARY AND SCORE PREDICTION
The Seahawks and Patriots are two of the premier franchises in the NFL and the league is banking on this Sunday Night matchup bringing in high television ratings. It is a marquee matchup for sure and should be one of the rare “must-see” NFL games of 2016.
The Patriots on offense are almost impossible to stop and the Seahawks’ defense is going to be tested by quarterback Tom Brady and his short passing attack. On the other side of the ball, Russell Wilson has been his usual fantastic performer in 2016 and may have brought his level of play even higher.
Neither team has run the ball well over the past month both teams are passing offenses first. Both are strong on defense and have disciplined special teams play and explosive returners who can swing field position. New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski has had his struggles kicking this season.
The Seahawks are 1-2-1 on the road (and 4-0 at home) and have to travel to New England after playing at home on Monday night. The short week, the lack of a running game, and having to deal with Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady may be too much for the Seahawks on Sunday night.