The Seattle Seahawks are still playing with house money in the NFL playoffs. On Sunday, the Seahawks playoff experience rolls on, this time heading to Chicago for a date with the Bears at Soldier Field.
The Seahawks were never supposed to be here in the first place after finishing the season at 7-9 in the weakest division in football. Yet here they are, in the second round of the playoffs, after an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints last Saturday. An impressive performance by Matt Hasselbeck, a beastly run by Marshawn Lynch and the earth-shaking power of the 12th man were on the Seahawks side, propelling them past the Saints.
Up next, the Seahawks leave the friendly confines of Qwest Field to face Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears are well-rested, coming off a first round bye, and ready for action in chilly Chicago. Temperatures are expected to be in the high teens and low 20s, quintessential Chicago playoff weather.
For those looking for hope, the Seahawks did beat the Bears in Chicago once this season, walking away with a 23-20 win in wee six. Since then, the Bears have changed their offensive philosophy, opting to go with a more ground-oriented attack instead of having Cutler throw the ball all over the field. With Cutler making his playoff debut on Sunday against the Seahawks, expect to see plenty of Matt Forte and a power rushing attack.
Stay with our StoryStream leading up to Sunday's game as we breakdown the matchups, players to watch and preview what to expect. It all culminates on Sunday at 10 a.m. on Fox as the Seahawks and Bears hit the field in Chicago with an NFC Championship Game berth on the line.