The Seahawks may not be playing in the first-round of the NFL playoffs this weekend but they’ll be closely watching the teams who are playing in the NFC Wild Card match-ups.
The Hawks clinched their division with a win over the Rams last Sunday and that earned them a first-round bye, in addition to home field advantage in the playoffs. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says the timing couldn’t be better.The Extra-Frozen Tundra Of Lambeau Field
The Seahawks' victory over the Rams gave them the best record in the NFL (13-3) this season and earned them a week off at a perfect time - when temperatures are expected to dip way below freezing in Green Bay, for the 49ers-Packers NFC Wild Card match-up.
"They can sit at home by the fireplace, watch the games peel grapes and be thankful they're not in Green Bay," Art said. "The forecast Sunday is that Green Bay's high temperature will be zero. And then the wind chill, we're talking 20 or 30 degrees below zero by the time the game ends in the dark."
"The Seattle fans have three words for San Francisco: 'neener, neener, neener.' It's kind of funny to see how this is unfolding," Art continued. "San Francisco was the NFC champs last year and now they are suffering the consequences" of not winning the division this year.
Who Will The Hawks Play?
If the New Orleans Saints beat the Eagles in Philadelphia on Saturday, the Seahawks will host them at CenturyLink Field on Sat., Jan. 11. If the Saints lose, the Seahawks will play the winner of the 49ers-Packers game.
Bye: Hurtful Or Helpful?
There are pros and cons to having a week off between the regular season and the playoffs. Pete Carroll is among the coaches who normally don't favor time off.
"A bye can take a team out of rhythm," Art said. "It also gives free time to players where they can get in trouble, so that's something that coaches typically don't like."
But Art thinks the time off will work in the Seahawks' favor - since they had to work so hard for the win against the Rams to secure a first-round bye and home field advantage in the playoffs. "Any chance to rest and any chance to heal injuries I think is welcome and warranted."
You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.
