NFL TV ratings are up 4 percent this year, and NBC pushed the Seahawks-Eagles NFC wild-card game to the later start Sunday, when it will dominate all comers.
The Eagles opened as one-point favorites, and early money flipped to the Seahawks. I’m recommending an early bet on the ’Hawks before this climbs to -3.
It’s easy to forget this is Carson Wentz’s first playoff start. An injury opened the door for Nick Foles during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run two years ago. Wentz has been special down the stretch, willing an injury-riddled team into the playoffs with a four-game winning streak.
But the Eagles aren’t much healthier this week, and the Seahawks have been road warriors, winning seven of eight away from Seattle — including 17-9 over the Eagles at Philadelphia on Nov. 24.
I would take Wentz in the rematch, but he’s still without DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor and two starting offensive linemen. There is a chance tight end Zach Ertz returns, which would help. But I’ll take Mr. Never Out of It, Russell Wilson, and his 8-5 playoff record as the starting quarterback.
The play: Seahawks, -1¹/₂.