Broncos - Seahawks
Let's start with a hat tip to our computer. Last week it projected a Denver victory by 11 (actual, 10) and a Seattle
win by 6.5 (actual, 6). Lucky to be sure but it happens.
While on the topic of our computer and predictions it's worth noting that the Prediction Report has tabbed the Denver-Seattle
matchup since week 2 in the weighted report and pretty much every week thereafter. These past reports are in the
Archive section. Scroll way down for the text section that details the likely playoff
contenders. For most of these reports, Denver has been favored. A noteable exception is week 16 which has Seattle by one point.
The current report has Denver by a scant 1/2 point, a toss up in the eyes of our computer.
This game is a classic matchup: League's best offense vs best defense. Denver averaged 38 points per game, an outlier, considering
the next closet team scored 28. Seattle held opponents to less than 14.5 points per game, stonger than league average by 7 points.
How will the powerful Denver offense fare against a strong Seahawk defense? Certainly a key matchup.
Denver's offensive strength is their passing game led by all-time-great QB Manning. Bud used to say a team averaging 8 yards per pass
attempt gets an automatic Super Bowl invite and the Broncos earned 7.8. See chart: Killer Stat-Offense.
The Seahawks defense held opponents to a league-low 4.85 yards per attempt. See chart: Killer Stat-Defense
and top both the Killer Stat and Killer Stat II charts.
While this matchup is the one that will draw most attention the game may well turn on the opposite side of the coin, the Seahawks
offense vs the Denver defense. The Bronco defense was near league average all season but has stiffened during their Super Bowl run.
They will need to stop a powerful Seahawk rushing game (league leaders in rushes) and contain young QB Wilson, a threat on the
ground or through the air. See the chart below to view Denver's improving defense on total yards allowed at season's end.
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2013 through Week 17
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