Skins Look To Continue Success In Seattle

The Washington Redskins won their final four games to make the NFC Wild Card, and look to continue their emotional summit when they face the Seattle Seahawks Saturday.

The line opened in Vegas at -4 for the ‘Hawks with the total at 40 ½ and has remained stagnant since opening at most spots. (Check your NFL betting odds now if you haven't done so recently).

Washington was 5-7 but turned their season around in tribute to their fallen star safety Sean Taylor. Only the undefeated New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers, who have won six straight, enter the playoffs hotter.

"I wouldn't want to play us right now," Washington defensive end Phillip Daniels said. "We've played solid defense, the offense has played great, special teams. We're hitting on all cylinders right now."

The Seahawks may have something to say about that, as they used their fans, collectively known as the ‘12th Man’, to assist them in sporting a 7-1 record at home. The ‘Hawks missed their noise on the road, as they were only 3-5 there, including the last two away against poor teams in Carolina and Atlanta.

"We don't enter the postseason on a positive note. But we will do what we've got to do," Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson affirmed.

Peterson can use recent ATS stats to back that statement up. Seattle was 6-2 ATS in their last eight games, in their last eight as a favorite, and in their last eight against NFC opponents.

Of concern for his team is the optimum health of QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander. Hasselbeck injured his wrist last week against the Falcons but will play, as will Alexander, who has been hobbled all season long with knee and wrist problems.

Washington, on the other hand, has almost benefited from the injury bug. QB Jason Campbell, their starter, went out in early December with a knee injury, and Todd Collins simply shined in replacement, garnering NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.

Prior to the season, Collins had not started a contest since the 1997 season. He showed no effects of the layoff as he completed nearly 64% of his passes, threw for almost 900 yards and tossed five touchdowns without an interception in December.

Both teams hit the Under more often during the regular season, with equal 7-9 O/U records. Seattle was the better ATS team with a 9-7 record, while Washington went 7-7 with two pushes ATS.

In choosing a winner, it may be wise to note that Seattle’s offense, and Hasselbeck in particular, has not played well in nearly seven weeks. The Hawks did go 5-2 in their last seven, but only two of the wins were convincing against seven teams that are all watching the playoffs. In addition, Hasselbeck has not thrown for 300+ yards since November 18.

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