SEAHAWKS @ CHIEFS
Jason Barbin
In one of the games of the round in week 11, the defending champion Seattle Seahawks (6-3)0 visit Arrowhead Kansas City to take on the Chiefs (6-3) and what will be an epic encounter. The defending Superbowl champs have looked shaky in losses to the Rams, Chargers and Cowboys this season while the Chiefs have overcome a dreadful start (losing to the titans), to currently be 6-3 and in a wildcard spot. Both teams are coming off solid wins in week 10 and will be looking to maintain their wildcard spots as the playoffs approach as their star running backs go head to head.
The Seattle defense was all the rage last season as the team boasted a top 5 ranking in the majority of defensive stats. While the defense hasn’t been as successful this season, it is still one of the best in the league. In a game that will feature heavy running games, the Seahawks rank 4th in rushing yards allowed (78.6) and third for total yards (307). Outside Linebacker KJ Wright leads the team with 71 tackles (15th in the NFL) while Defensive End Michael Bennett leads the team with 4 sacks.
The Seattle offense has been weird this so far this season. Quarterback Russell Wilson is posting solid numbers (1,841 yards 11tds) but too many times this season Wilson has put the team on his back in key situations and failed to achieve a result. Beast running back Marshawn Lynch (pictured right) has starred again this season in sometimes limited opportunity. Last week he showed why the Seahawks need to give him the ball more often, running for 140 yards and 4tds. Lynch is and should always be the focal point of this offense and he will be someone the Chiefs need to shut down.
Kansas City has their own defense that has proved to be formidable so far this season. The Chiefs rank 3rd in passing yards allowed (205.3) and boast one of the best pass rushers in the league. This defense has been outstanding this season when pressuring the quarterback with 28 sacks this season. Gun outside linebacker Justin Houson leads the league
with 12 sacks this season and is a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. Teammate Tamba Hali has also been effective in the pass rush with 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles so far this season.
Though their offense doesn’t look like an A grade offense, you still have to score more points than the other team and this Andy Reid led offense has proven that they are more than capable of doing that. Alex Smith has been serviceable so far this season and though he doesn’t throw for the most yards (1,869), he doesn’t turn the ball over and he keeps the offense going. Star running back Jamaal Charles is the focal point of the offense and is the forefront of a running game that ranks 5th in the league (135.8 yards per game). The 3 down back has missed some games with injury but still has managed to rush for 533 yards and 6 touchdowns while second year back Knile Davis has proven dangerous when he is on the field, rushing for 411 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Needless to say this will be a battle of the running backs. Both defenses will knock the stuffing out of the offenses and whichever back is left standing will decide the winner. As I have both running backs in different fantasy leagues, I hope they both do well but my head is telling me Beast mode will reign supreme and rush the Seahawks over the line.
SEATTLE by 6.