The Seahawks whupped the Falcons in Week 8 of last season. That might seem like an exaggeration given the point differential, but Atlanta’s ability to tighten the score late in the fourth quarter was of superficial value. With six minutes left in the second quarter Seattle’s win probability surpassed 90% and it never dipped below 90% for the rest of the game.
Matt Schaub’s touchdown pass to Austin Hooper with 3:08 remaining improved Atlanta’s chances of winning by about 0.2%, from 0.3% to 0.5%. An exceedingly conservative ensuing drive by Seattle, and probably rightfully conservative, plus a 31-yard punt by Michael Dickson allowed Atlanta to score a freebie field goal.