So the Seahawks have brought back Beast Mode, I love that. Not expecting great production from him, but seeing him again in action is nice.
Those odds for SF@SEA look a bit strange to me (at first sight). Seahawks weren't very convincing in their last showings, but being solid underdog is surprising me. Assuming Saints/Packers will win their (earlier) games, this game would be extremely important for the 49ers. With a win they could get that #1 spot, which they surely would want, but which wouldn't be good for them in the end as I wrote the other day.
Those odds for SF@SEA look a bit strange to me (at first sight). Seahawks weren't very convincing in their last showings, but being solid underdog is surprising me. Assuming Saints/Packers will win their (earlier) games, this game would be extremely important for the 49ers. With a win they could get that #1 spot, which they surely would want, but which wouldn't be good for them in the end as I wrote the other day.
The beast hasn't been very beastly the last couple of years, but yeah, it's good to see him back. I hope the 9ers will keep him from hulking up the way he used to in the past. I tend to agree with you about the odds, nothing but damn statistics. I think a part of it stems from the injuries the Seahawks have suffered. Most of their starters are practicing this week, even though a few were out last week. I'm sure they want to play, but they are banged up and may not be 100% on their game.
It's hard not to be biased, but I like the 9ers in this game. There are so many play-off implications for other NFC teams, many will be rooting for the Seahawks this week, lol.
I also half agree with you that the 9ers seem to play better with a chip on their shoulders, and might play better football in the playoffs if they lose this weekend. It certainly would make wildcard weekend more entertaining.
Now with Saints/Packers winning, Seahawks don't have that much to gain. They will take wild card spot no matter what and if was Pete Carroll, I would tell my team to lose. This would mean that instead of a home game against the Vikings, I would get an away game at Eagles/Cowboys. Looks bad at first, but imo more winable than facing the Vikings at home. But after that, instead of going to New Orleans, I would have to go to San Francisco (or even GB, if MIN wins at NO), which is a way easier away game to win than going to NO. And I have just played them two weeks ago, got some nice insights and lost on purpose. I would take my chances going that route and sacrifice that playoff home game.
You would rather play the 9ers in away, than Minnesota at home? I'm not sure I would take that gamble. Carroll may not have a choice in the matter, but I think he would rather win the division and secure at least one home game, even if it against the better wild-card team. I can't see Carroll ever telling his team to lose, that just wouldn't happen. But if he was to choose that strategy all he would have to do is bench Russell Wilson for the week.
So these odds for 49ers look kind of low-ish, but imo these are indeed good odds. 49ers are better on the road and they have just so much more to play for (in their minds). Will wait with a bet until Saints/Packers is finished. Maybe I am overthinking here though 
This is really the only game with two well-matched teams, and significant playoff implications this weekend. All the other NFC contenders need the 9ers to lose to make their way closer to top seeding. In the AFC everything is pretty much set. The Pats could lose the #2 seed to the Chiefs, but that would require a miracle from Miami.
Looks like Bills are going to rest lots of players as they are stuck at wild card spot #5 seed. This is already priced in, but I still like the Jets ML in this one. This is all about motivation and Jets should be super motivated for this, while for the Bills this is just some sort of preseason game.
Eagles should struggle mightily in getting that needed W at the Giants and I can see either Panthers or Lions pulling an upset and putting all playoff scenarios upside down. Falcons at Bucs should make for a fun game and I expect lots of points in this one, so over could be a good bet.
Eagles should struggle mightily in getting that needed W at the Giants and I can see either Panthers or Lions pulling an upset and putting all playoff scenarios upside down. Falcons at Bucs should make for a fun game and I expect lots of points in this one, so over could be a good bet.
You might be right about the Jets @ Bills, that's a potential upset. The other one is Chicago at Minnesota. The Vikings are locked into the sixth seed and have absolutely nothing to gain by winning and nothing to lose by losing this weekend.
Baltimore is actually the underdog going into the weekend, giving the Steelers a prayer. They would still need the Titans to lose @ Texans.
