Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Friday, Dec. 18 - about your Seattle Seahawks (8-5) two days before the team kicks off against the Cleveland Browns (3-10) at CenturyLink Field, where kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT with television coverage on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle).
The Picks Are In
Peter Schrager at FOXSports.com sees Seattle winning a close contest, 30-23, "Having just spent the past two Sundays covering the Browns, I can tell you that despite public perception, the Browns veteran players really like and support Johnny Manziel. That's from steely, all-business types like Josh McCown and Joe Thomas, to defensive veterans like Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby. Manziel's first start since his Week 12 demotion went well, but that was at home against San Francisco. Winning in Seattle is a different story. I do expect this to be much closer than Vegas (-14.5) sees it."
ESPN.com NFL Nation reporters Sheil Kapadia (Seahawks) and Pat McManamon (Browns) predict the outcome of Sunday's game, with each writer seeing a Seahawks victory.
Kapadia, who picks Seattle to win 30-10, writes, "In the past four games, Wilson has completed 75.4 percent of his passes, averaged 9.92 yards per attempt and thrown 16 touchdowns without an interception. That's bad news for a Cleveland team that has lost six of its past seven and given up 30-plus points in five of those games. Seattle's running back situation is in flux, but that is unlikely to matter in this one. The Seahawks are favored by more than two touchdowns and should win big."
McManamon, who picks Seattle to win 31-6, says, "Seattle's defense is overwhelming, and Russell Wilson is playing better than anyone in the league. The Browns' defense played well against the 49ers, but Seattle isn't San Francisco."
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com sees Seattle running away with Sunday's contest, 35-10, "This one will get out of hand. The Seahawks and Russell Wilson are putting up huge numbers the past four weeks. That continues against a bad Cleveland defense. Johnny Manziel has no chance to keep up. Blowout."
Elliot Harrison at NFL.com thinks the Seahawks will win big, 27-9, "So, uh, Seattle wins ... big. It was wonderful to see Johnny Manziel out on the Browns' pitch, wheelin' and dealin', throwing passes late over the middle, getting acquainted with the Microsoft Surface, winning a football game. Enjoy the one-game win streak. The Seahawks' defense has turned it on over the last couple of weeks after getting embarrassed by the Steelers' passing attack (which has happened to plenty of teams). Most impressive is the 59 rushing yards combined that front seven allowed against the Vikes and Ravens. Not sure Isaiah Crowell is threatening Adrian Peterson's single-game rushing mark this week -- or threatening to crack 80 yards, for that matter."
All four sports writers at the Seattle Times pick the Seahawks to win this week, including columnist Jayson Jenks, who writes, "There are a number of ways to say the Seahawks will win this game, but here are the most obvious ones: The Browns are tied for the worst record in the league, the Seahawks have won four-straight and the game is being played in Seattle. This is as close to a sure win as the Seahawks have had all year."
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com shares his picks and predictions for Week 15 and takes the Seahawks to win 27-16,* "The Seahawks have won eight straight home games against AFC opponents, a streak that goes all the way back to 2011. Meanwhile, the Browns are 7-31 in road games since the 2011 season began."*
All five *Around The League *writers at NFL.com predict a Seattle victory.
All seven NFL experts at FOXSports.com pick Seattle over Cleveland.
All eight football minds at CBSSports.com like the Seahawks to win this weekend.
And all 13 NFL analysts at ESPN.com take Seattle to win in Week 15.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from Seahawks owner Paul Allen, who shares a photo from last night's screening of *Star Wars: The Force Awakens *at the Seattle Cinerama.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle highlights the play of run-stuffing defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and looks at what Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel will bring to CenturyLink Field this Sunday.
Quarterback Russell Wilson was voted Air Player of Week 14 at NFL.com.
Four Seahawks were among the leading vote-getters at their respective positions in fan balloting for the 2016 Pro Bowl.
Thursday's practice saw a couple Seahawks return to full participation.
Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com writes about what makes Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tyler Lockett so special.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times previews Sunday's Seahawks-Browns matchup with Josh Edwards of 247 Sports.
And at TheMMQB.com Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman outlines four ways to fix officiating in the NFL.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
