After lackluster finish, Seahawks host Lions in NFC playoffs
After lackluster finish, Seahawks host Lions in NFC playoffs
SEATTLE (AP) — Only a few weeks ago, the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions were fighting for the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs and a coveted bye that makes getting to the Super Bowl so much easier.
Stumbles by both teams over the final few weeks have led to the Seahawks hosting the Lions in the NFC wild-card game on Saturday night and a test of whether momentum even matters going into the playoffs.
Detroit (9-7) faced a gauntlet schedule, closing with three playoff teams — Giants, Cowboys, Packers — and lost all three to give away the NFC North title and its shot of hosting a playoff game.
There is a lot in favor for the Seahawks playing at home against a Detroit franchise that last won a playoff road game in 1957.
Seattle is 5-0 in the playoffs at home since 2010 and has won at least one game in each postseason appearance under Carroll.
Since 2012, the Seahawks are 7-3 overall in the playoffs.
Detroit was once powerful, winning three NFL championships in four title game appearances between 1952 and 1957, but the Lions have won only one playoff game in six decades.