We're Hog-Tied and Accepting of the Struggle...

Looking for some reasons to be hopeful that the Seahawks can pull off a huge upset of the 11-2 Atlanta Falcons? Well, I'm here to provide you with some (hopefully not false) hope:

-The Falcons have lost twice on the road this season; They're not an invincible juggernaut.

-This is the 3rd of three straight road games for the Falcons, and their longest road trip of the season. Next week, they return home to face the Saints in a game that will probably decide who gets home field advantage in the NFC playoffs. If there is ever going to be a moment in 2010 where Atlanta could get caught flat-footed, distracted and fatigued, this is it.

-Atlanta's defense is a very mediocre 16th in Football Outsiders' DVOA rankings; In the pleasant surroundings of Qwest Field, against an opponent who is 27th(!) in terms of rushing yards-per-carry-allowed (4.6 ypc), perhaps Seattle can get their running game going, and give their defense some much-needed rest.

-Mike Williams returns! Yes, it probably isn't the cure to ALL Seattle's problems, but the Hawks offense will certainly be better, more explosive, closer to competent. My colleague Hawk Blogger really nailed this idea the other day- Seattle is damn near a different team (for the better) with a healthy BMW out there.

-Atlanta is only 1-4 all-time in Seattle, with their last victory coming in 1997.

-Despite two home losses, the Qwest crowd can still make a big difference- IF the Seahawks oblige us with a competitive performance- If this game is a one-score-affair in the 4th quarter, the Twelve Army could be the deciding factor in Seattle's favor.

What else? Am I missing any obvious reasons Seattle could pull the upset Sunday?