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Redskins Seahawks breakdown

By Vic Carucci

Redskins at Seahawks

How the Redskins are playing now: They're one of the hotter teams in the league, winning four in a row, and one of the best stories of the postseason. Todd Collins, who spent 10 years as a backup before taking over for injured starter Jason Campbell, has been so much more than competent in relief. He has instilled new life in the Redskins' offense by taking advantage of the team's many playmakers. He's throwing the ball well and making good decisions. The Redskins also are inspired by the mission of playing their best to honor the memory of slain teammate Sean Taylor.

How the Seahawks are playing now: Disregard Sunday's 44-41 loss to lowly Atlanta. The Seahawks were more concerned with keeping their starters healthy for the postseason and removed many of them early. Matt Hasselbeck is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and the Seahawks' explosive passing game is a challenge for any defense. Seattle doesn't get much done on the ground, which could be a problem if the Redskins are able to keep pace with them in a shootout. Defensive end Patrick Kerney, a former Falcon, has been the NFL's top free-agent acquisition. He has been a pass-rushing terror and has helped bring the best out of the rest of Seattle's defense.

Last time they met in a game that counted: A 2005 divisional-round playoff game at Seattle, which the Seahawks won, 20-10.

This team has a reason to be uncomfortable as a wild card: Seattle. The Seahawks had little trouble winning the weak NFC West, but their inconsistency cost them a chance to get a first-round bye and compete for home-field advantage. After a late-season surge that included victories over Minnesota and Dallas, the Redskins are thrilled to be in the postseason.