Sunday’s NFC divisional game
Seahawks at Falcons 11 a.m., KDVR-31
The skinny: The Falcons lost their playoff opener in the 2011 season and fell in the divisional round in the 2010 season when they had the NFC’s top playoff seed. The Falcons have to stop wasting opportunities. The Seahawks are coming off their first road playoff win since 1983. Including their wild-card victory over the Redskins, the Seahawks have won six games in a row and eight of their last nine.
The difference will be: Whether the Falcons can crank up their running game. None of their top three running backs — Michael Turner, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling — averaged more than 4 yards per carry this season. The Seahawks have the NFC’s No. 2-ranked defense. Rookie linebacker Bobby Wagner led Seattle in tackles (139). Defensive end Bruce Irvin led NFL rookies in sacks with eight.
The call: Seahawks 24-21. Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
