NFC Divisional Round, Sunday

Seattle at Atlanta (-2.5)

First, The Machine took it on the chin last night…going 0-2 in our picks.  First, wtf Peyton.  Tebow won a playoff game for Denver (just sayin’) #jesusisclutch.  And who would’ve thought, after a back and forth first half, that the Niners would absolutely explode and the Packers would absolutely collapse.  Such is sports.

Anyway, we’re here to totally redeem ourselves today, starting the NFC Divisional showdown between the Seattle and Atlanta.

These teams are polar opposites on offense.  The Falcons come in as the Number 1 seed, and have a dominant passing attack, with hands down the best 1-2 punch at WR with Roddy White and Julio Jones.  The passing game more than makes up for the lack of production in running the ball.  Matty Ice has come of age this year, throwing for over 4,700 yards and 32 tds.  On defense, the Falcons are tough to gauge.  At times, the play at an elite level, (as the shutout of the Giants proves) but they have also been inconsistent (like when Carolina dropped 30 on them).

Seattle, on the other hand, has a bruising running game with Beastmode anchoring the #3 rushing attack in the NFL, over 161 yards per game.  There are really no threats at WR…although Russell Wilson (the only rookie QB left standing) creates enough plays and is elusive enough to get them open.  The Machine doesn’t think of Wilson as really part of the new school run/threat option, which is a good things (#itsafad).  He’s played out of his mind this year, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 26 tds.  Seattle also has a dominant, Top 10 defense that doesn’t get the credit or attention it deserves.

A lot of people are picking the Seahawks to come in and upset the 13-3 Falcons, but The Machine doesn’t think so.  Seattle has some key injuries that will prove fatal.  Beastmode is dinged up, only practicing on Friday with a bum knee.  Additionally, Sydney Rice(who quietly had a solid year going 50/748/7) is hurt and didn’t practice all week.  While they may be able to get by with one of those two injured, they will not be able overcome both of them.

Seattle’s D (and Pete Carroll’s play calling) will keep this game interesting.  However, The Machine likes the Falcons and Matty Ice to get his first playoff win.

Seattle 20, Falcons 31

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