Eagles vs. Seahawks: 4 Bold Predictions for Thursday Night Football

It's most likely a game that won't have any ill-effect on the postseason, so what the Week 13 matchup between Philadelphia and Seattle comes down to is pride.

The Eagles have the talent to be Super Bowl contenders in the future, while the Seahawks have been plagued by non-legit QBs under center.

Nonetheless, the future is bright for both franchises.

That said, here are four predictions for when things kick off Thursday night in the great northwest.

Chris Clemons Dominates

DE Chris Clemons is one of the few standouts on a Seattle defense that allows 340 total yards per game and has just 20 sacks this season.

Clemons leads the Seahawks with eight sacks and three forced fumbles and also has three pass deflects.

For Seattle to have any chance in this game, he must apply pressure. Otherwise, Philly will strike fast.

Therefore, look for Clemons to be used in a variety of ways other than just rushing off the edge. Philadelphia's pass protection is its weakest link on offense, so attacking through multiple gaps will cause confusion.

Expect Clemons to rush from both ends of the line and occasionally drop into coverage as a spy to mix up the defensive scheme.

As long as he's not constantly double-teamed, he will have a great game that takes pressure off Seattle's No. 20-ranked pass defense.

Prediction: 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, six tackles

Vince Young Is off and Running

According to an article on ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles are without QB Mike Vick and WR Jeremy Maclin, among others.

"The Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out quarterback Michael Vick (ribs), wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring and shoulder), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle), linebacker Moise Fokou (ankle) and tackle King Dunlap (concussion) for Thursday night's game in Seattle against the Seahawks."

That said, expect Vince Young to be off and running for much of the game.

Seattle will have to double-team WR DeSean Jackson and leave a linebacker spy on RB LeSean McCoy, as those are Philadelphia's biggest threats.

Hence, Young will have to make most of his plays on the ground, backyard football style. The Seahawks may have a weak pass defense, but when Young's options are limited, he will be forced to run.

WR Jason Avant and TE Brent Celek will see the most targets, but both can be decently covered one-on-one with Young's less established throwing ability.

Not to mention Philly's lack of pass protection.

If coach Andy Reid wants any production, it will have to come on the ground in an unconventional way.

Because of the situation at hand for Philly, don't be surprised if Young runs a few option plays—like the Broncos have done with Tim Tebow—to keep Seattle off balance.

Prediction: 18-of-34, 170 pass yards, 15 carries for 85 yards, two total TDs, one INT, one fumble

Eagles' Defensive Line Controls the Game

If there's been one solid and consistent group for Philadelphia this season, it's been their defensive line. Jason Babin has 10 sacks, Cullen Jenkins has 5.5 and Trent Cole has five.

And by playing the Seahawks this week, those three players will control the game. The Eagles have improved their rush defense since struggling early, and Seattle's offense ranks just No. 25 and No. 27 in passing and rushing, respectively.

Include Philly's pass defense, and the Seahawks won't have much success through the air. Philadelphia will first isolate the running game, get QB pressure thereafter and then force a few turnovers.

Doing so is imperative for the Eagles because of their injuries on offense. The defense needs to take over if they want to win.

Seattle can be sneaky good, as evidenced by their wins over the Giants and Ravens.

Which is why it all starts on the line of scrimmage with Babin, Jenkins and Cole. Expect many line stunts, such as twists and crashes, to either side.

Being able to control the fringe of battle takes more than just bull-rushing forward, so some finesse and placement will be required.

Prediction: Seven total sacks, two forced fumbles

Eagles Win a Nail-Biter

Because the game is in Seattle, you have to expect the Seahawks to play well. However, Philadelphia has much more talent but has simply been underachieving all season long.

And the injury situation does not help the Eagles.

With the Eagles' defensive line dominating and Seattle's defense taking advantage of Philly's offensive injuries, the game will come down to a turnover battle.

With Vince Young having success as a passer but without some weapons, his ability to run will prove deadly against Seattle.

As for the Seahawks' offense, they simply need to establish some sort of rushing attack to nullify poor QB play.

Philadelphia has the more complete defense and is much better at pressurizing the QB and causing turnovers. Seattle has stepped up against superior teams such as the Giants and Ravens but, they've fallen to inferior teams like Cleveland and Washington.

Prediction: Eagles 17, Seahawks 14

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27