The 3-1 Seattle Seahawks will return to action following their bye week this Sunday, taking on the 4-1 Atlanta Falcons. For once, an early bye was welcomed with open arms in Seattle; Germain Ifedi, Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett - among others - are all nursing injuries. Meanwhile, the Falcons are coming off a statement victory in Denver against the previously undefeated Broncos.

On paper, this game between two early NFC favorites should be a classic; one of the league’s best defenses coming up against one of league’s best offenses in perhaps the finest venue in the entire NFL. What we could end up seeing, however, is an absolute slog fest. The Pacific Northwest is about to be struck by a mighty storm, and I’m not talking about Julio Jones. Rain and winds figure to be a constant on Sunday, leaving running backs Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Christine Michael - as well as the two defenses - as the key figures.

There is still a long way to go before we know whether the Falcons are really for real or not - they were undefeated at this point last season - but this game could end up with big time playoff implications come January. You are not going to want to miss it.

The Facts

Location: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game time: Sunday, October 16th at 1:25 PM PST

TV Channel: Q13 FOX (Seattle) (Full List of TV stations for PNW) (Do I get the game?)

Online streaming: NFL Game Pass

Radio: 710 ESPN Seattle (Steve Raible, Warren Moon) Full Radio List

Matchup history: The Seahawks lead the all-time series, 9-6, with a 4-3 record at home.

Last time: Seattle simply destroyed Atlanta at the Georgia Dome in a four quarter beat down that ended 33-10. Avenging a brutal playoff loss on the way to the team’s first Super Bowl triumph. Good times.

Odds: The Seahawks are seven-point favorites.

Announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber

Referee: Tony Corrente

Enemy blog: The Falcoholic

Twitter for Seahawks fans: @FieldGulls

Facebook for Seahawks fans: Like us on Facebook!

Next Week

Seattle @ Arizona on Sunday Night Football