2011 NFL Predictions, Part 1 – The Seahawks

Well, the 2011 NFL season is almost upon us, so that means that it’s time for me to make my predictions for the year. Last year, I combined my Seahawks predictions and NFL predictions into one post, but this year I will be separating them. This first part will be all about the Seahawks. I will go through each game on their schedule, saying the Seahawks odds on winning the game and what I think will happen.

Game 1 – September 11 at San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks open in San Francisco on the 10 year anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. The 49ers, like the Seahawks, are in a “rebuilding” phase and I use quotes because both teams could either win the division or finish in dead last. But neither is going to dominate. We have had our struggles at Candlestick in recent years, and I expect that to continue.
Seahawks odds of winning: 40%
My prediction: 49ers 27, Seahawks 16
Seahawks record: 0-1

Game 2 – September 18 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Boy, the schedule makers didn’t make it easy on the Hawks. If they lose their first game, they will more than likely fall to 0-2 to start the year. The Seahawks have played twice on Heinz Field since Super Bowl XL, losing both times, and neither were close defeats. I expect the Seahawks to certainly put forth effort, but not have enough talent to win.
Seahawks odds of winning: 15%
My prediction: Steelers 24, Seahawks 10
Seahawks record: 0-2

Game 3 – September 25 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Finally, a home game! The Seahawks will be welcomed back with enthusiastic cheers despite the fact they will probably be 0-2. The Seahawks have had great success against the Cardinals at home, even when the Cardinals had Kurt Warner and were doing well. I expect the defense to be the key for the Seahawks in this one.
Seahawks odds of winning: 70%
My prediction: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 7
Seahawks record: 1-2

Game 4 – October 2 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Last year, the Falcons came to our turf and beat us. The Falcons have just as much talent as they did last time, so I don’t expect much to change. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will not be stopped. I don’t see a blowout, but I can’t see the Seahawks keeping it too close.
Seahawks odds of winning: 40%
My prediction: Falcons 28, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 1-3

Game 5 – October 9 at New York Giants
Last time the Hawks made a trip to New York to play the Giants, they got blown out 44-6. For some reason, I have a feeling the Giants will slip this year. Maybe Eli Manning will get hurt. Maybe they’ll get plagued with other injuries or turnovers. But if I had to pick a game all season the Seahawks would upset someone on the road, this is it. They would simply have the mentality of refusing to fall to 1-4.
Seahawks odds of winning: 35%
My prediction: Seahawks 24, Giants 16
Seahawks record: 2-3

Game 6 – October 23 at Cleveland Browns
The Seahawks make a trip to see their old buddy, Mike Holmgren! In case you didn’t know, Holmgren is now the President of the Cleveland Browns. I expect a close, gritty, tight football game. But I don’t expect the Seahawks to win two in a row on the road, even if this one is after the bye week.
Seahawks odds of winning: 45%
My prediction: Browns 23, Seahawks 20
Seahawks record: 2-4

Game 7 – October 30 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s no surprise: The Bengals are in rebuilding mode. Carson Palmer, their QB, has quit on them. They drafted their QB of the future, Andy Dalton, but he won’t be a solid starter for a few years. Many are picking the Bengals to finish with one of the worst records in the league, myself included. This is a game the Seahawks would be embarrassed to lose.
Seahawks odds of winning: 90%
My prediction: Seahawks 31, Bengals 13
Seahawks record: 3-4

Game 8 – November 6 at Dallas Cowboys
Someone might have to correct me, but I don’t think the Seahawks have ever beaten the Cowboys in Dallas. At least, they certainly haven’t recently. Even if the Cowboys are only performing at a .500 level or if Romo gets hurt, I still expect the Cowboys to win, regardless of the circumstances. This is a game that is just too hard for the Hawks to win.
Seahawks odds of winning: 15%
My prediction: Cowboys 34, Seahawks 7
Seahawks record: 3-5

Game 9 – November 13 vs. Baltimore Ravens
I predict by this point, Clipboard Jesus AKA Charlie Whitehurst, will have taken over at quarterback either by a Tarvaris Jackson injury or bad performance. This is a game that will be very tough for the Hawks to win, but if the defense steps up and the crowd gets into it, the Hawks have a legit shot at winning and I predict they will. The Ravens are a low-scoring, tough team, but with home field advantage, the Hawks can beat almost anybody.
Seahawks odds of winning: 45%
My prediction: Seahawks 17, Ravens 16
Seahawks record: 4-5

Game 10 – November 20 at St. Louis Rams
The Rams will probably be one of the contenders to win the NFC West this year, with many young, talented players such as their quarterback, Sam Bradford. If Bradford is on the mark and healthy, this is a game the Seahawks would have to be extremely lucky to win.
Seahawks odds of winning: 35%
My prediction: Rams 31, Seahawks 21
Seahawks record: 4-6

Game 11 – November 27 vs. Washington Redskins
The Redskins top two quarterbacks are Rex Grossman and John Beck. I can’t see them being very good at all. Coach Shanahan is going to have to be a complete genius to get their team to .500. With home field advantage against a team without a good quarterback, the Hawks will win, and handily.
Seahawks odds of winning: 80%
My prediction: Seahawks 26, Redskins 13
Seahawks record: 5-6

Game 12 – December 1 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s hard to say how this game is going to go. The Eagles stocked up on talent in the offseason, but will they be as good as they are on paper? I’m going to have to go somewhere in between: The Eagles will be very good good, but not extremely good. However, the Eagles will have to travel around 3000 miles on a short week and come into CenturyLink Field. This is another upset for the Hawks.
Seahawks odds of winning: 40%
My prediction: Seahawks 21, Eagles 20
Seahawks record: 6-6

Game 13 – December 12 vs. St. Louis Rams
The Seahawks will be coming off an 11 day rest period, unlike the Rams, so I look for them to have a ton of energy. Sam Bradford is still young, and just like last year’s final regular season game, I expect him to struggle. Hawks come out on top unless they blow it somewhere.
Seahawks odds of winning: 60%
My prediction: Seahawks 24, Rams 17
Seahawks record: 7-6

Game 14 – December 18 at Chicago Bears
The Bears are expected to be a solid team this year, and I expect Jay Cutler will be out to prove how capable he is. The Bears will more than likely desperately need this game to get a good playoff position, so I don’t see a way the Seahawks can win. We just can’t win at Soldier Field.
Seahawks odds of winning: 25%
My prediction: Bears 30, Seahawks 10
Seahawks record: 7-7

Game 15 – December 24 vs. San Francisco 49ers
I expect the Seahawks to be gunning for a playoff spot at this point. With a road game to end the season, this would most likely be a must win game. It shouldn’t be too hard to beat the 49ers at home, especially, if as I predict, the Hawks will be 7-7 at this point and vying for the NFC West title again.
Seahawks odds of winning: 65%
My prediction: Seahawks 22, 49ers 21
Seahawks record: 8-7

Game 16 – January 1 at Arizona Cardinals
Hard to tell if this will be a must win, should win, or a meaningless game for the Hawks. We did manage to win 36-18 last time in Arizona, but even if they have Kevin Kolb, I don’t expect it to be too one-sided. The Cardinals will finish in last place and the Seahawks will finish the season having won 5 of their last 6 games.
Seahawks odds of winning: 45%
My prediction: Seahawks 27, Cardinals 18
Seahawks record: 9-7

So, will the Seahawks win the NFC West and make the playoffs for the 2^nd year in a row? How will the rest of the NFL teams fare? Find out in a bit when I post part 2 to the 2011 NFL season predictions.