The regular season is winding down and next month will feature football games that are actually meaningful and extremely important. Two of the teams that will be still fighting for the championship in January barring a horrific collapse will play this weekend, when the Seattle Seahawks (8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) will travel to Philly (9-3 straight up, 9-3 against the spread) for a showdown with the Eagles. In a matchup pitting a stellar defense against a highflying offense, Philadelphia’s potent passing game makes them the slight favorite (-1, with a total of 47.5) in this game. Can the defending champs secure a victory away from Seattle or will the Eagles put up enough points to silence the Seahawks impressive secondary?
Eagles keep on winning
With many crowning Dallas a lock to win the NFC East crown at mid season, the Eagles have switched the script and now have most pundits slotting them into a home playoff game. Winning four of their last five contests, Philly appears to be in fine form as the regular season comes to a close. But with a tough schedule that includes this week’s game against the Seahawks and then three straight against division opponents, the Eagles need to continue playing well to seal their playoff berth for good.
It’s strange to say that a kicker is the top fantasy prospect for an offensive heavy football team, but K Cody Parkey isn’t your average field goal specialist. Averaging 17 points in the Eagles past two contests, Parkey is tied with New England K Stephen Gostkowski as the NFL’s leading fantasy kicker. Estimated to put up similar numbers this week against a solid Seattle defensive unit, look for Parkey to have another double-digit fantasy performance this Sunday with crucial kicks at important moments throughout this contest.
While QB Mark Sanchez has been impressive in his stint as the starter for Philadelphia, it might not be the best idea to bank on a great fantasy performance from the former USC standout. Going against the stingiest defense in the league against opposing quarterbacks, Sanchez should only be kept in your starting lineup if no other viable options are available. If you are forced to start Sanchez, don’t expect anything more than 9 or 10 fantasy points this weekend going against CB Richard Sherman and Seattle’s fierce defense.
Seattle still surging
After beginning the season 3-3, the Seahawks have stepped up their level of play and are once again looking like the team that whooped the Broncos in last year’s Super Bowl. Winning 5 of their last 6 games, Seattle hopes that it can continue it’s successful second half of the year with an upset in Philly on Sunday. With only division games remaining after this week’s showdown, the Seahawks must be prepared to play elite football up until the postseason. If not, they could be watching the playoffs from their rainy apartments in Seattle.
A few players jump off the screen as legitimate starting fantasy options for the Seahawks this weekend in Philly. With QB Russell Wilson putting up big numbers each week, RB Marshawn Lynch pounding the rock to great effect and K Steven Hauschka continuing to rank in the top five for fantasy kickers, all of these athletes should be considered must start options in your lineup. With the playoffs ready to start, these players shouldn’t hinder your team’s chances of bringing home the bacon this fantasy season. Start them if you have them, it should benefit your roster and help you secure a victory this week.
While some Seahawks are fine fantasy options this Sunday, others should remain on your team’s bench if possible. Even though the Eagle offer the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing receivers, Seattle doesn’t have the elite athletes to take advantage of Philly’s abysmal pass defense. If you are thinking about starting WRs Doug Baldwin or Jermaine Kearse as a WR2 this week, you might want to search the waiver wire one last time for another viable option. Similarly, TE Luke Wilson should be nowhere near your starting lineup, especially since the unreliable tight end hasn’t notched a double-digit fantasy performance all season.
I’m your man in Vegas – call me now for this side and total, to be used for the teaser and parlay – absolutely free for all new clients: 1-800-664-8920.