10* NFL Game of the Week
(NFL) Detroit vs. Seattle,
Point Spread: -8.00 | -105.00 Seattle (Home)
Result: Win
The Lions have been off the past 3-4 weeks. QB Matthew Stafford's injured finger has really affected his throwing and their running back is hurt. This number is inflated because of no Theo Riddick (wrist) for the Lions. That's a big deal. Without Riddick, Matt Stafford hasn't had the bailout move that did so well for him and has been regularly stranded on third-down situations. They blew the NFC North without Riddick, losing their last three games. Detroit hasn't covered the spread in its last four -- all without Riddick. Detroit is also winless straight-up and ATS in outdoor road games. Seattle has never lost outright in a postseason game at CenturyLink Field during the Pete Carroll era. With Russell Wilson at QB, the 'Hawks are 28-15-1 ATS at home. I feel like the Lions are going to have plenty of trouble scoring points in this game. Matthew Stafford has clearly been affected by his finger injury, and now he has to go on the road and try and succeed against one of the league's best defenses outdoors in a playoff environment. The Seahawks are 5-0 under HC Pete Carroll in first round playoff games and have won their last 8 straight going back to 2005. I think this matchup favors Seattle in almost every way and they always step up their game play better during the playoffs. The Seahawks have been hit-or-miss on offense this year, but they've averaged 28.4 points in home games and get to face the 32nd-ranked defense here with the Lions. This is my best NFL Play of the Week. 10* SEATTLE SEAHAWKS