Washington at Seattle

This week's playoff previews starts with the weekend's first game, the Washington Redskins at the Seattle Seahawks (2:30 pm Mountain-not sure why I used Eastern last time, FOX).

On paper this may not look like much of a matchup. The Redskins were 10-6 and couldn't even beat out the New York Giants for the division title. The Seahwaks went 13-3, have a real quarterback, and ran away with the NFC. I tend to agree with paper on this one.

However for this preview I will employ the completely contradictory tone and tell you why each team could win Saturday:

Why Washington Will Win:

1. Better coaching. Though there are scores of coaches who can pile up regular season victories, only the elite few win consistently in the postseason. Look at the last five coaches to win Super Bowls: Bill Belichick, Jon Gruden, Brian Billick, Dick Vermeil, and Mike Shanahan. Not a weak link in the bunch.

Though Mike Holmgren and Joe Gibbs have each won a Super Bowl themselves (three, in Gibbs’ case), Gibbs clearly gives the Redskins an advantage. Holmgren has had a mostly up-and-down career, at least in terms of coaching teams up to expectations. Gibbs, meanwhile, has racked up an absurd 17-5 postseason record.

2. Defense. Linebacker LaVar Arrington had a monster game against Tampa Bay, topping off his ten tackles with a forced fumble and an interception. The scheming of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams may give them just enough of an edge to blunt the Seattle offensive.

Why Seattle Will Win:

1. Better offense. That alone says absolutely nothing about Seattle, considering Washington racked up just 120 total yards against the Buccaneers. But points-wise, Seattle outscored everyone-even the mighty Colts-this season. Oh yeah, and which team has the MVP?

2. Better balance. No, the Seahawks can’t match the Redskins’ defensively-but then, they won’t have to. The numbers say Seattle’s run-stopping is even better than Washington’s, and controlling the line of scrimmage is, as Gibbs knows, crucial in postseason showdowns. Seattle has enough defense to slow Washington and more than enough offense to put points on the board.

Considering the above, and also the fact that Seattle’s team name isn’t a cruel reminder of abysmal race relations, I’m going to go with the Seahawks.