The New England Patriots look to host the Seattle Seahawks in an inter-conference matchup that could be a preview of Super Bowl 51, at least according to our current president Barack Obama. Both teams currently hold 1st place in their respective divisions, with the Patriots being tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the best recording in the NFL at 7 and 1.
The Seahawks have been hot and cold all season, while the Patriots have been red hot since Tom Brady’s return. With the defense that Seattle has, they always have a chance to win.
Key Matchup
The key matchup of this game will be Tom Brady versus the legion of boom. Tom Brady is one and one against the Seahawks with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas the 3rd, and Kam Chancellor. While the ground game has been a bigger factor this year for the Patriots, Brady’s arm continues to lead the team. If Seattle can shut down New England’s aerial attack, they may be able to upset the Patriots at home
Difference Makers
Mentioned earlier, Richard Sherman is one of the best cornerbacks in the game. Some quarterbacks avoid throwing to his side of the field entirely, afraid that Sherman will pick them off. While the Seahawks don’t have the top rated defense this year, the Legion of Boom has continued to be one of the best secondary’s in the league despite the constant revolving door at their second starting cornerback spot. If Sherman can shut down Chris Hogan, the deep ball game for New England will be much more difficult.
For the Patriots, it has to be LeGarrette Blount. While the Patriots rely on Brady, with him being the full dominating force behind the offense, Blount is having arguably his best season yet. He’s been a fantasy football scoring machine, with 9 touchdowns half way through the season. That’s barely more than one touchdown per a game on average. If Blount can run well, the play action passing game will have a much bigger value for the Patriots offense.
Noteworthy
While not officially confirmed, the Patriots might finally get Dion Lewis back. Lewis, who was injured last season and has yet to return on game day, recently returned to practice. If Lewis does not return, he will have to be activated from the physically unable to perform list by week 11. If not, he will have to be moved to injured reserve, which seems unlikely due to him practicing.
Almost Game Time
After being on a bye, the Patriots will host the Seahawks at home on Sunday Night Football. Kick off will be at 8:30 PM Eastern Standard time, with the game being broadcast nationally on NBC.
