Despite a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Seattle Seahawks remain in first-place in the NFC West, even with a 6-7 record. The road to the playoffs doesn't get any easier this week as the 11-2 Atlanta Falcons, sitting atop the NFC South standings, bring a star-studded squad to Seattle.
The Falcons bring a high-powered offense to Qwest Field, led by quarterback Matt Ryan. In the passing game, Roddy White is always a threat, displaying sure hands and game-breaking ability on the outside. While Ryan orchestrates an outstanding passing attack, running back Michael Turner anchors a powerful rushing attack. Turner brings bruising power and surprising speed to the backfield, creating a tough match-up for any opponent. The Seahawks defense has a tough task on its hands after putting together a forgettable performance last Sunday against the 49ers.
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck accounted for five turnovers on his own against San Francisco. Hasselbeck's four interceptions and one fumble handed the Niners excellent field position all day while killing any offensive moment the Hawks may have had. Hasselbeck will still be at the helm against the Falcons, leading one to wonder if his five turnover performance last week could be topped in Seattle on Sunday.
Hasselbeck will be without wide receiver Deon Butler this Sunday against the Falcons. The second-year man out of Penn State fractured his leg during Sunday's game and will miss the rest of the season after being place on injured reserved. On the good injury news front, Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu are both listed as probable this weekend and should both return to the field against the Falcons.
The Seahawks and Falcons take the field this Sunday at 1:15 p.m. on Fox.