***SNF IN THE SWAMP - SEA @ NE****

***SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS***

What a treat tonight as the SNF stage is set for a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots when the Patriots. The Pats won in dramatic fashion with a goal line interception to seal the deal and the teams have not faced each other since. The Seahawks have seemed to of gotten their swagger back with a huge win last Monday Night when they were able to fend off a feisty Bills squad to get the win at home. The Patriots seem like the clear best team league and it isn't even close. They have been simply untouchable since QB Tom Brady's return after serving a 4 game suspension to start the season. However tonight I believe is the Pats first true test since it will be the first time they are facing another top tier organization in Seattle. Remember, when they played the Steelers they faced them without their starting QB in Ben Rothlisberger so that can't be looked at as a true win over Pittsburgh. Surely hungry for revenge, the Seahawks will be throwing the book at New England tonight to try and pull the upset and I like their chances. Thew New England defense has not been too impressive and I think has shown at times this season that they can be beaten. The problem is that the opposing team is usually quickly down on the scoreboard so the game plan to stop the expected passing game becomes quite simple. Up against the Seattle defense and a smart secondary with veterans CB Richard Sherman and Safety Earl Thomas leading the way, I think the Pats may struggle to score as easy as they are used to usually doing. Also, the expected long awaited return of another veteran safety in Kam Chancellor can be just the spark Seattle needs in a game like tonight to take them to that next level. Chancellor is the enforcer of this defense and his presence alone changes the game. He is badly needed to help his team defend against the duo of monstrous Tight Ends the Patriots have in Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. Even though Seattle will most likely be once again without veteran pass rusher DE Michael Bennett, the young DE Frank Clark has proven to be a solid replacement in his absence. Clark and veteran DE Cliff Avril they have been sacking opposing QBs at a rapid rate and I think can get to Brady tonight. We all know the blueprint that the Giants laid out to beating Tom Brady long ago, is to get in his face and hit him, rattling his pocket presence. New England's offensive line is average, and the Seahawks can definitely get to Brady in this one and I believe they will do just that. Seattle's linebacking core is also exceptional. LBs Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are extremely versatile and will be key in stuffing the potential run and making it hard for these TEs to release in their routes. This is a HUGE game for both teams, but Seattle being on the road as big underdogs gives them an edge and will motivate them to play at a high level.

Going back to the Patriots defense, this is one QB Russell Wilson will find success against. Despite being injured for a good portion of this season and limiting his mobility, he showed last week that when needed he is healthy enough to move and be effective with his legs. Wilson and TE Jimmy Graham finally seemed to of built the chemistry needed to take games over. Since acquiring Graham in a trade, they haven't really been able to get on the same page especially with Graham missing sufficient time coming back from a serious injury. Last week the two connected for two impressive touchdown passes and this is just the beginning of what we will see from this dangerous combination. The Seattle WRs are gamers, Baldwin, Kearse, and Lockett are the type to rise to the occasion in big spots such as this. I believe the Seattle offense will be rolling on all cylinders tonight to keep pace with the Patriots and for once Tom Brady will feel the heat and pressure of a potential upset in a close game. Seattle will play their best game of the season tonight. SEAHAWKS+7.5