NFL Premium Review: SEA vs. PHI on MNF

1. Jalen Hurts isn’t saving this Philadelphia offense

A lot of talk has been surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles’ QB situation as Carson Wentz’s struggles continue and some believe Jalen Hurts is the answer. While it’s fair to say Wentz has fallen far short of expectations this season and even the last few years, blame certainly shouldn’t all be placed on him. Wentz’s protection (or lack thereof) has allowed 46 sacks this season, the third most of any QB through 11 games since the 1970 merger, causing him to make errors that even an Aaron Rodgers-caliber player would have a difficult time avoiding. 

He has a tendency to hold onto the ball a long time which has been a result of being depleted of offensive weapons. Most of his offense has been injured this year and promising WR Travis Fulgham, who started out hot when he came to PHI, has been a non-factor the last few weeks. All of that on top of an offensive line that has been playing musical chairs all season will not change if Hurts is starting under center. Not to mention, Philly’s leading rusher on MNF was Wentz himself (42 YDS) with Miles Sanders being the only other Eagle to register over 10 RUSH YDS (15 YDS). That’s not a recipe for success whether it’s Hurts or Wentz in the game. A simple QB change might boost the fan base in the short-term but will be a disappointment long-term.

2. Seattle’s defense is gaining momentum but it’s not Super Bowl caliber yet

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense seemed to be stuck in first gear during the first half of the season as they allowed the most PASS YDS through eight games ever but they have finally began to shift into higher gear the last two weeks, finishing off ARZ with a game-ending sack and limiting PHI to single-digits on MNF before a garbage time Hail Mary TD. 

While it was an impressive showing, it’s worth noting that Philly’s offense hasn’t exactly been explosive this year so this game should be taken with a grain of salt when talking about SEA’s defensive display. That’s not to say the ‘Hawks can’t get there though as they will have a true test of ability against the Los Angeles Rams during Week 16 in a game that will could very well decide the winner of the NFC West, which leads to what may be the most valuable piece of intel from this game… 

3. Bet the house on Seattle winning the NFC West

Picking SEA to win its division seemed obvious at first but then looked suspect after the Rams knotted up the division lead with a victory over the ‘Hawks a few weeks ago. Now with only a one-game advantage, the betting odds shouldn’t be too heavily skewed in Seattle’s favor but its remaining schedule is extremely favorable with matchups against two NFC East teams and the winless Jets. 

The NFC West might all come down to that Week 16 matchup between the Seahawks and Rams with it being extremely surprising to see the Rams sweep their more talented division rival, especially after just getting swept by the injury-plagued 49ers. Both teams have been performing quite similarly as of late too, so watching them go up against one another will make for an exciting end to this season that should end with SEA winning the division for the first time since the Legion of Boom was still intact in 2016.