Seattle Seahawks (6-3 SU, 4-5 ATS) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-3 SU, 7-2 ATS)
NFL Week 11
Date and Time: November 16, 2014 1:00 p.m. EST.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
TV: FOX
by Wilson, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:Sea pk/KC pk
Over/Under Total:42.5
Las Vegas sports books fans will be stirring all week with anticipation of this matchup between two old AFC rivals from back in the day! But oh how times have changed, but hey, this contest still has the luster it did when there was a Kingdome in Seattle and some guy named Okoye lurking in the backfield for KC. Although the Seahawks have since settled into the NFC West they know the history and so do the Chiefs who welcome the birds into Arrowhead this weekend for what many are pinning the NFL game of the week. Not even the Vegas gurus want a piece of this one as they are calling it a PICK and rightfully so as both these teams matchup well. KC is probably playing the best football they have in years as week after week they have found ways to win and in close games especially. Seattle has struggled on and off but recently the Hawks have rejuvenated and after a so-so performance at home against the Raiders two weeks ago they put a Super Bowl defending Champ beating on the New York Giants at the Link this past weekend. The Hawks are peeking as the second half of the NFL season is under way. However, the true test for the defending 2014 superbowl champs will be from this week on out. Seattles gimme wins are over. Kansas City has won 4 straight games and they are on a roll. The KC defense held true in the second half against a tough Buffalo team last week and it will look to put pressure on the Seahawks from the first snap this weekend.
Alex Smith will be a key component in the matchup with the Seahawks as he is playing and leading the Chiefs as best as a QB can which shows in the Chiefs last few games. Smith was 17 of 29 for 177 yards and RB Jamaal Charles carried the pigskin 15 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City continues to find ways to win and they are tough at home. Seattles defense is getting healthier every week and that means trouble for the Chiefs because when the Hawks are healthy they dont let teams in the end zone too often. Seattle is ranked 4th in the NFL against the rush allowing just 79 yards per game and 8th against the pass, allowing 227 per game. Offensively, the Hawks are No. 1 in rushing with 170.9 per game and 31st in passing at 194 per contest.
KCs defense has been stellar when the game is on the line as they did it again against Buffalo by getting a stop on 4th down in the red zone to secure the win. The Chiefs D are No. 1 in the NFL in pass defense (allow only 205 yards per game) and 19th versus the run (allow 115 yards per game). Kansas Citys offense handled this game well and the play calling was key especially when they went with a zone read for Alex Smith to get a key game winning TD. Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker forced a fumble and stopped a potential score which helped KC secure the W. Parker has been playing lights out after struggling earlier in the season. If KCs defense plays against the Seahawks as well as they have in the past 4 games they should have a good chance to knock off the defending champs.
This NFL showdown will be a great matchup between two 6-3 teams who could potentially see each other in the super bowl. Yes, I said it, what a great pre-superbowl contest! Both teams have similar strengths offensively with dynamic QBs, and a dominate rushing attack. Who will win the battle of RBs, Lynch or Charles? I think the books are right on with this game as a PICK. I like the under in this contest. Both defenses play tight and rarely let the offense into the end zone!
This contest will likely come down to the leg of each FG kicker. I like the under. Enjoy this battle of defenses.
Welcome to week 11 of the NFL! Take the under, these defenses will be stingy all the way! Luck to ya!
Wilsons Pick:Under.