Happy Blue Friday, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today, December 18, about your Seattle Seahawks.

Picks And Predictions For Week 15 Matchup Against Washington Football Team

The Seahawks (9-4) will look to punch their ticket to the playoffs as they take on the surging Washington Football Team (6-7) this Sunday. The Hawks would clinch a playoff berth with either a win or if Sunday’s Bears-Vikings game ends in a tie. Washington has won four straight games to put themselves atop the NFC East — a win on Sunday gives them an 83% chance to make the playoffs, according to the New York Times.

Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday at FedExField in Landover, Md. The game will air live on FOX, and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM will carry the game on radio. Here's what some local and national media members are predicting for this weekend:

ESPN’s Brady Henderson and John Keim each like the Seahawks to win a close one. Henderson has the Hawks winning 23-17, and he made this bold prediction: "Wilson will complete at least 75% of his passes. He has hit that mark four times this season, including last weekend as the Seahawks' game plan against the Jets and their new defensive coordinator was to get the ball out quickly on shorter passes. Washington's loaded defensive line will give the Seahawks another reason to do that Sunday, especially if starting right tackle Brandon Shell is unavailable."

Keim expects a battle between two of the hottest defenses in the league in recent weeks, but ultimately has Seattle winning 24-17: "Washington ranks third in sacks per pass attempt (9.1%) for the season, while the Seahawks rank first in that category since Week 8. Washington likes to play zone, which is wise against Seattle wideout DK Metcalf and quarterback Russell Wilson. Those two have combined for three plays of 50 yards or longer; Washington has allowed an NFL-high seven such receptions."

Will Brinson of CBS Sports also expects a close game, but he think the Seahawks will pull off the win, especially if QB Dwayne Haskins gets the start for Washington in place of the injured Alex Smith. He's picking Seattle to win 24-21: "...I like Washington a lot less with Haskins, though. He's more turnover prone and won't be as conservative in terms of the gameplan, it doesn't feel like. No Antonio Gibson, which appears likely, is concerning as well. I still think Seattle will try and run the ball here and won't be successful. This Washington defensive line is legit and will cause problems for Seattle regardless of how they attempt to let Russ operate in the kitchen. I think Washington can keep it close."

Brinson’s CBS colleague Pete Prisco likes Washington to defend home field in this one, 23-20: "This will be a real proving ground for the Washington defense. They have been outstanding the past few weeks, and the front is talented and menacing. Russell Wilson will present a big problem for them, but the Giants did a good job on him two weeks ago with their front. Look for Washington to play well in this one and pull off the upset."

Bill Bender of Sporting News is choosing Seattle to win 24-20: "Washington is in the playoff hunt, and the defense has allowed just 14.3 points per game through a four-game win streak. Alex Smith (calf) will be monitored throughout the week, but the Seahawks have found their rhythm on defense, too. Russell Wilson keeps Seattle's home-field hopes alive."

The Seattle Times crew is split on this matchup after all four writers picked the Seahawks over the Jets last week. Bob Condotta and Adam Jude like the Hawks to win, while Larry Stone and Matt Calkins are going with Washington.

Condotta likes the Hawks by a score of 23-16: "This game always loomed as somewhat dangerous — a late-season trip east before NFC West showdowns with the Rams and 49ers. It looks no easier now, as Washington is among the NFL's hottest teams and has a rugged defensive front. But Washington has an uncertain quarterback situation with Alex Smith hobbling and Dwayne Haskins unproven. That could open the door for Seattle to escape with a victory."

Stone is choosing Washington to win 21-17: "This presumed easy stretch of four games for the Seahawks, ending Sunday, isn't quite as easy as once imagined (with the exception of the miserable Jets). The Seahawks are coming off a rout of the Jets, but it's hard to read much into that. Washington, on the other hand, is riding a four-game winning streak (including a stunner over Pittsburgh) and has the dominant defense to give Seattle fits. If the Seahawks can't control Washington's imposing pass rush, it could be a frustrating game."

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal doesn’t think the Washington offense will be able to keep up, especially if RB Antonio Gibson isn't able to suit up. He's picking the Hawks to win 27-20: "Whether it's Dwayne Haskins or Alex Smith getting the start, Washington's QB situation might not be as decisive for the team's offense as Antonio Gibson's status on Sunday. Washington doesn't have the juice to compete against Seattle sans Gibson, no matter how well Jonathan Allen and Chase Young are playing. The Seahawks would agree that running backs matter, based on the boost Chris Carson gives their offense. My score here will move depending on Gibson's status; for now, I'm assuming he's out another week with turf toe."

Homegating Recipe of the Week Presented by Safeway – Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

This Mediterranean-inspired pasta is full of veggies and other savory ingredients, and includes a tasty homemade vinaigrette. And best of all — it's ready in just 15 minutes. Click here for ingredients and instructions.

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Social Post Of The Day

Russell Wilson and Ciara's daughter Sienna dons some of daddy's gear and gives her own Russ impersonation in this adorable video:

More From Around The Web

At Seahawks.com, reporter John Boyle on the signings of tackles Wyatt Miller and Andrew Jones to the practice squad.

Also at Seahawks.com, check out these last-minute gift ideas for the Seahawks fan(s) in your life, available at a Seahawks Pro Shop near you.

Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reflects on the 2019 NFL Draft and how DK Metcalf fell into the Seahawks’ hands at pick #64.

Also at the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta on Rashaad Penny’s status as he nears a return from his injury.

710 ESPN's Danny O'Neil compares the Seahawks’ trajectory to the last two Super Bowl champions.