Use the oddsmakers knowledge against them. Remember, before the conference championship game the NFC entry was (-3) over the AFC entry. Both favorites won. But too much adjustment was made for the fact that Denver looked more dominant in their game. Seattle had a tougher opponent and we handicap based on long-term, not just based on the last game we watched.

Denver is better on offense, but because they play a wide open pace, the advantage is not as big as the mere points per game and total yards per game stats indicate. Seattle is fifth in points per play on offense, but easily No. 1 in points per play margin. The big difference is on defense, where Seattle is easily No. 1, while Denver is 10th.

On offense, Seattle 1.0 more passing yards per attempt than their opponents normally allow. That is not as great as Denver but close. The gap is more than made up for on the other side of the ball. Seattle defense sensational against pass allowing just 5.4 yards per pass versus teams normally getting 6.6. Based on ratings, Denver is .3 yards per play better on offense, but Seattle .6 better on defense. The better team is the underdog.

But Percy Harvin probable for Seattle. Even if he is rusty, he is so explosive his presence must be accounted for. That narrows the gap on offense yet more.