The NFL’s top running team against the league’s rushing leader should amount to plenty of attempts on the ground when the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys meet in the first NFC Wild Card game on Saturday. Both teams had already qualified for the postseason ahead of last week’s games and they won their finale, but the Cowboys might have a little more momentum after a stirring comeback over the Giants. Meanwhile, Seattle struggled to beat the 3-win Cardinals at home.
Watch this Wild Card game live on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 8:15 p.m. ET at ATT Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Seattle Seahawks +2.5
Dallas Cowboys -2.5
Over/Under 42
Odds Analysis
A win is a win, at least that’s what the Seahawks will say after escaping the finale against Arizona on a last-second field goal. With a playoff spot clinched Pete Carroll could have rested some of his starters, but he elected not to. Seattle won the game, but it was a less than desirable finish. Still, the Seahawks finished strong with six wins in their last seven games, including a Week 16 victory over Kansas City. Going on the road will be something they’ve done just once over the last month and a half, and that didn’t turn out well with a loss against the lowly 49ers. Seattle finished 4-4 away from home with two defeats in their last three road games.
The Cowboys enter the postseason on a hot streak winning seven of their final eight games, overcoming a sloppy 3-5 start to claim the NFC East title. During their late-season charge, the Boys defeated the NFC’s top-seed New Orleans with a stifling defensive effort and knocked off the defending champion Eagles twice. Outside of a stumble to Tennessee in the middle of the year, the Boys were strong at home with a 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS record.
Matchup to Watch
Just in case you thought the Cowboys were all about Ezekiel Elliott and running the football, they gave teams around the league, including the Seahawks, something to think about with their display against the Giants on Sunday. With Zeke in sweats on the sideline, Dak Prescott had one of the finest games of his career, going the distance with a scintillating comeback in the 36-35 win.
With the Cowboys locked into the No. 4 seed it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Prescott take a seat. Instead, Jason Garrett left his starter in for the entire game and he responded with 387 passing yards and four scores, none better than the fourth-down dart to Cole Beasley with just over a minute to play that brought the Boys within a point. Dak then completed the 2-point conversion for the win.
Now the Seahawks will have to contend with Zeke and Prescott. Elliott claimed the rushing title with 1,434 yards despite sitting out the finale. He should be rested for Saturday and he’ll have linemen Zack Martin and Tyron Smith available to block for him. Both players sat the final game to rest nagging injuries.
Key Stat
Seattle’s hopes of advancing rest on their ability to run the football. And the Seahawks are the best in the NFL at doing that. Led by Chris Carson, who had his third straight 100-yard game with 122 against the Cards, Seattle amassed 160 yards per game on the ground. And it’s not just Carson who carries the load, although he’s been the workhorse with 1,151 yards for the season. The Seahawks will mix things up with Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny each getting touches. Davis had 514 yards while Penny chipped in 419 and the trio combined for 15 rushing touchdowns.
Seahawks at Cowboys Live Betting
Both teams will play to their strengths early so expect plenty of rush attempts and play the live betting lines at BookMaker.eu accordingly. Dallas had the better season statistically against the run, but Saquon Barkley ripped off 109 against them on Sunday, so they can be had. And as well as Dak played against the Giants, the defense was ripped a new one allowing 441 total yards. Russell Wilson is dangerous outside the pocket, and his ability to extend plays and scramble will put the Seahawks over their team rushing yard total on a prop bet at BookMaker. And his experience in the postseason is something that can’t be overlooked.
NFL Score Prediction: Seahawks 26, Cowboys 21
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