Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles: preview, free NFL picks & predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles in the wildcard round of the playoffs in the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 9.40pm Sunday

Best bet

Philadelphia +2.5
1pt 17-20 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

After things were looking so promising in the regular season, Seattle’s Super Bowl hopes are in jeopardy following a series of injuries at running back.

The loss of Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and CJ Prosise meant the Seahawks were forced to re-sign Marshawn Lynch last week. He scored a touchdown last week but they were still lacklustre in the run game before being comfortably beaten by San Francisco.

Most worrying for head coach Pete Carroll, however, is their struggle on defence, where they conceded at least 26 points in each of their last five games and a total of ten rushing touchdowns.

That highlights a bigger issue for Seattle, who allowed the third-most rushing scores in the league this season and face a tough task to contain the Eagles running back trio of Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard and Boston Scott.

Howard played only one snap in Philadelphia’s big win over the Giants last week as he returns from a shoulder injury, but head coach Doug Pederson hinted he should be ready to go on Sunday. Sanders has more than stepped up to the plate in his absence, while Scott scored three touchdowns himself in that Giants victory.

The Eagles enter the game having won their last four and home-field advantage can see Philadelphia avenge their defeat to Seattle earlier in the season.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Surface Grass
Weather Mostly sunny, 4C
Vegas handicap Seattle -1.5
Vegas points line 45.5

Injury report

Seattle
Wide receiver Malik Turner is out and left guard Mike Iupati is rated questionable.

Philadelphia
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor is out while tight end Zach Ertz and right tackle Lane Johnson are rated questionable.

Key stat

Philadelphia allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the league.

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