Week 8 Preview: Seahawks (4-2) @ Chiefs (3-3)

Last Sunday’s thrilling 30-27 victory over the Chargers was almost as impressive as the Pittsburgh debacle was embarrassing. The Chiefs got back to .500, and finally beat an AFC and divisional opponent. Next, the Chiefs host the defending NFC champion Seahawks, another must-win for the Chiefs as they can’t afford to lose any more home games.

Series History:

Kansas City owns a 30-18 record all-time against the Seahawks. The last meeting between the two teams was a 39-32 Seattle victory in 2002. The Chiefs last meeting with Seattle in Arrowhead was a 19-7 KC win in 2001. Since 1990, the Chiefs are 10-2 against Seattle at Arrowhead.

Statistical Breakdown:

Kansas City-

After Sunday’s game against San Diego, the Chiefs remained 11th in the league in total defense (303.8) and 24th in rush defense (123.7). The Chiefs dropped one spot to sixth against the pass (180.2). KC forced three turnovers in the first quarter alone, and is 14th in the NFL in forced turnovers (11). Kansas City is allowing 20.7 points per game so far this season, good for 14th in the league.

The offense posted 30 points against San Diego, the first time in 22 games the Chargers allowed 30 points or more, and the first time in eight games they allowed more than 21 points. Kansas City improved to 24th in total offense (294.5) and 21st in both rushing (99) and passing (195.5). The Chiefs offense is averaging 19.5 points a game, good for 20th in the NFL.

Seattle-

Seattle gave up 31 points to Minnesota last Sunday, but are still 15th in total defense (317.7), and eighth against the rush (92.2). Seattle’s pass defense is the weak spot, as they are 25th in the NFL, allowing 225 yards a game through the air. They are also allowing 23.7 points a game, which is 25th in the NFL.

Seattle’s offense hasn’t been it’s normal self this year, either. They are 21st in total offense (303), 20th on the ground (99.7) and 16th through the air (204). They were first in scoring offense last year, but are tied for 16th this year, averaging 20.2 points a game. Seattle still has plenty of playmakers, but will be without Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck.

The Facts:

• Dating back to 1995, the Chiefs lead the NFL with a 19-4 record in interconference games at home. The Chiefs are also 28-18 against NFC foes, tied for third-best over that same span.

• The Chiefs have dominated NFC opponents in 23 games at Arrowhead since 1995, outscoring them 699-372, an average of 30.4 to 16.9 a game.

• Seattle is 17-5 in the regular season since the beginning of 2005. In those five losses, the ‘Hawks scored less than 17 points that day. The Chiefs are an incredible 45-2 at Arrowhead since 1995 when allowing 17 points or less, including 17 straight wins.

• The Chiefs haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher at home in 18 straight games.

• Seattle is 0-4 all-time when playing the Chiefs at Arrowhead in the month of October. The Chargers were 0-6 at Arrowhead in October before last Sunday, they are now 0-7.

Injury Report:

Kansas City – Trent Green is still out. Cornerback Benny Sapp, linebacker Rich Scanlon and offensive tackle Will Svitek are all questionable with knee injuries. Linebacker Derrick Johnson is probable with an ankle injury.

Seattle – Matt Hasselbeck is out with a knee injury. Backup Seneca Wallace will take his place and it will be his first career start. Shaun Alexander is still out with a foot injury. Wide receiver Bobby Engram is questionable with an illness. Defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs and offensive guard Floyd Womack are both questionable with knee injuries, and linebacker D.D. Lewis is questionable with a toe injury.

Weather Report:

Kansas City, MO, Sunday, October 29th, 2006

The forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 64 degrees and a low of 52.

Prediction: Chiefs 34, Seahawks 16