[jWILL253]

This should be the game that every major NFL analyst should be keying in on for next week. The reason: The #1 total offense vs. the #1 total defense.

The Pats are coming off of a 31-21 win against the Broncos that was actually a lot more lopsided than the score implies. We all know about 3-time Super Bowl winner & future Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Gronk, and the vaunted passing attack they possess year after year. But, the major surprise has been the power running game that has finally created the balanced attack Bill Belichick has been seeking since the Corey Dillon days. If the Patriots have any weak spots, it might be the pass defense, which has been noted for it's inconsistency. To win this game, they need the pass rush to step up and contain Russell Wilson, and the linebackers need to make sure they wrap up, as Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch leads the league in yards after contact.

The Seahawks put together another gritty defensive effort in a 16-12 win in Carolina. I'ma just say it: this is the best defense in Seahawks history. There has literally never been a defense more complete, at every position, in franchise history. That said, they might have their work cut out for them in this game, as Brady is no pushover. The offense, on the other hand, shown improvement in Carolina, despite a few untimely turnovers. For the Hawks to win, three things need to happen:

1. Wilson needs to be prepared to air it out just in case the defense doesn't show up against Brady.

2. Lynch needs to get the ball early and often, and tire this defense out.

3. The crowd needs to be louder than they were against the Giants in 2005, as anything that might jolt Brady out of rhythm will help this defense tremendously.

Prediction: Seahawks 21, Patriots 14.