Seahawks vs. Redskins: Rookie QB Battle Highlights Exciting Wild Card Matchup

When the Seattle Seahawks (11-5) visit the Washington Redskins (10-6) in the Wild Card Round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs, the heated NFC battle will feature two of the brightest rookie quarterbacks in the league.

While Washington’s Robert Griffin III has received more publicity, Seattle’s first-year starter Russell Wilson has been just as impressive. Add in the fact that both young men led their respective teams to a playoff berth, and each has outperformed expectations.

This run to the postseason has vindicated the selection of both stars, but each is looking to add to their already impressive résumé by winning in the Wild Card Round and taking another step closer to Super Bowl glory.

When: Sunday, Jan. 6th at 4:30 p.m. ET

Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md.

Watch: Fox

Live Streaming: NFL Audio Pass (audio only live stream)

Spread: Seattle -3 (via VegasInsider.com)

Seattle’s Rookie QB Breakdown: Russell Wilson

One of the biggest reasons rookie Russell Wilson had so much success so far this season is because Pete Carroll and the entire coaching staff have implemented offensive schemes that will help the young QB succeed.

With the team averaging only 189.4 passing yards per game this season (27th in the NFL), it is clear that Seattle is doing everything it can to limit Wilson’s risky plays and help him protect the football.

The rookie QB has just 15 turnovers all season (10 interceptions and five fumbles), and much of the reason is because the Seahawks have kept the play calling within the boundaries of what Wilson could handle.

If Carroll keeps the game plan simple Sunday, Seattle will be in a solid position to win the game.

Washington’s Rookie QB Breakdown: Robert Griffin III

Besides No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck, there is no rookie that has garnered more attention this season than Washington Redskins No. 2 overall pick and dual-threat quarterback Robert Griffin III.

After an amazing statistical season—3,200 passing yards, 815 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns (20 passing and seven rushing)—Griffin worked through an injury and helped lead his team to the NFC East Division title.

That’s something Michael Vick, Tony Romo and Eli Manning couldn’t do this season.

Griffin and the entire offensive unit in Washington will face one of its toughest tests of the year against the Seahawks’ stingy defensive unit.

With Seattle ranked sixth and 10th in passing and rushing yards allowed per game respectively, RGIII and the Redskins could be in serious trouble.

Prediction: Seattle 36, Washington 27

There is little doubt that the tough running of both backs (Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch and Washington’s Alfred Morris) will keep the score from getting too far out of hand, but there will be plenty of chances for big plays in this fast-paced game.

As talented as the Seahawks defense is, they haven’t faced a quarterback that moves the way Griffin can, and the scrambling abilities of RGIII are a legitimate concern for Seattle.

While the Seahawks will play with an extreme caution around the dangerous QB, the Redskins' porous defense will ultimately be the downfall for Washington, and Wilson and Seattle will pour on the points late.

The game’s final score won’t be too lop-sided, but there will be no doubt who dominated this matchup.

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