The Seattle Seahawks may have had a bye in Week 11, but they are still one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
In Week 10, the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers. They're the only team to do that so far this year.
Not only did they beat the 49ers, but they've won three games in a row. Oh, and they've also won six of their last seven contests. In total, Seattle finds themselves at 8-2 through their first 10 games, and one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Now in Week 12, they face off with the 5-5 Philadelphia Eagles. Here are four reasons they will come out with yet another victory.
Russell Wilson for MVP?
The Seahawks have a legitimate MVP candidate. Scratch that, they have a legitimate MVP frontrunner.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has been ridiculous this year. Somehow, it feels like he's getting less recognition than he has in the past though. That's despite no other elite names on offense and a questionable line.
Wilson has a 68.5 completion percentage for 2,737 yards so far. He's tossed 23 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions as well. Meanwhile, he's used his legs a little bit too, running for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 50 carries (5.1 yards per carry).
As long as Wilson's playing, Seattle will always have a serious chance to win a game.
Philadelphia's defense has been solid overall this season. However, they have some holes in the defense. The type of holes that Wilson could exploit his way to another stat-stuffing performance. If the Eagles can't find a way to slow him down (something basically no one has done this year), their chances are very low.
Spread Offensive Attack
What makes Wilson and the Seattle offense so dangerous, is the game does not go through one person.
Okay, Wilson is the star and if it wasn't for him they would likely be a lot worse. However, he isn't just force-feeding one or two players.
The running game has Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny.
Carson's had some fumbling problems, but other than that he's been extremely dangerous. He has 853 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 200 attempts (4.3 yards per carry). Meanwhile, he has 27 receptions for another 189 yards and two touchdowns.
Penny has missed some games due to injury, but still has 167 yards and one touchdown on 36 rushes (4.6 yards per carry).
Then there's the passing attack. Tyler Lockett has the best numbers. D.K. Metcalf has been awesome in his rookie year and even Jacob Hollister has been solid filling in at tight end for Will Dissly.
Oh, and don't forget they've brought in Josh Gordon as well. That should make things even worse for opposing defense.
The bottom line is the defense can't focus on any one aspect or player. This keeps them on their toes and gives Wilson and Seattle a distinct advantage.
Philadelphia Passing Attack Struggles
While the Seahawks are firing on all cylinders, Philadelphia has its issues. Specifically in the passing game.
The offensive line is far from perfect. Meanwhile, the receivers seem to drop more passes than actually catching them.
Zach Ertz has been good, but not nearly as good as he was last year. He doesn't seem to get open as much and doesn't really do anything after he does make the reception.
Alshon Jeffery has been eh and Nelson Agholor has brought back those serious drop problems from his past. Oh, and DeSean Jackson's been hurt for basically the entire year.
Dallas Goedert has had his moments this year but isn't a consistent part of the offense. Rookie running back Miles Sanders is in the same boat.
Meanwhile, Carson Wentz has not been great. Good? Absolutely. He still has 16 touchdowns compared to four interceptions. However, he's completed 61.2% of his passes for 2,274 yards so far and has four fumbles.
Wentz hasn't thrown for multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 6, in a big loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He simply isn't playing like the superstar many expected.
It's hard to see the Eagles turning it all around against Seattle.
Defensive Breakouts
Seattle's defense has not been elite this year. That's not exactly a crazy statement for most teams. However, the Seahawks have been one of the best defenses for the last decade, so anything less than amazing seems odd.
That being said, they have the pieces to be elite. This includes some players that are considered big names, who simply haven't produced all that much.
What about Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney? They've combined for just four sacks and four forced fumbles in 17 combined games. Those are two players that can break out and have a major game at any moment.
Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright have been awesome, and don't be surprised if Mychal Kendricks starts putting up bigger numbers too.
The point is, Seattle's defense has not been perfect, but they have a lot of veteran star power that can help to produce big games at any moment. With the struggles of Philadelphia at the moment, this could be the perfect opportunity for them to pounce.
If that happens, the Eagles don't stand much of a chance, and the Seahawks will walk out of Week 12 with a 9-2 record.
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