Dallas @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 24, 2017 ) Seattle 21, Dallas 12

The Seattle Seahawks look to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2002 when they play their home opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Seattle, which opened the campaign with back-to-back losses in Denver and Chicago, hope the home-field advantage will help them top the Cowboys and begin a turnaround.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said his team is feeling the urgency to win this week as he is totally aware how hard it would be to have to dig out of an 0-3 hole. "Every single game is a freaking championship opportunity," Carroll said at a press conference. "We've got to go. There's only a couple of undefeated teams in the NFC right now and let's hang with them. I don't want to get behind that number right now, so we've got to get a win." Dallas, which defeated the New York Giants 20-13 last Sunday for its first win, has been terrific defensively as it has allowed just 29 points. "We want to hold offenses to the minimum, so we go out there with that expectation - and when we fall short, it's upsetting," Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford told reporters. "Obviously, we're going to get in there and look at it and take it hard on ourselves, because that's what we do - and we'll just come out better next time."

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -1.5. O/U: 41.5

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (1-1): Quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for just 330 yards in two games and running back Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for only 147 after efforts of 69 and 78 to open the season. "I think we're really close to where we need to be," Elliott told reporters of the rushing attack. "We're just one block away from hitting some big ones, so we've just got to keep working, keep staying disciplined, stay focused and keep grinding." Linebacker Sean Lee injured a hamstring against the Giants but insists he will play on Sunday, while defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has registered two sacks as he looks to follow up on last season's career-best 14.5 total.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (0-2): Quarterback Russell Wilson has passed for 524 yards and five touchdowns but also has thrown three interceptions while being sacked 12 times behind shoddy play by the offensive line. The rushing attack is averaging just 69 yards per game and 3.6 per carry as first-round pick Rashaad Penny (17 carries, 38 yards) has been unable to make an impact thus far. The defense has been hit hard by injuries, with outside linebacker K.J. Wright (knee) slated to miss his third straight game, but there is good news as middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (groin) is expected to return after missing Monday's loss to the Bears.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Seahawks have won three of the last four meetings.

2. Seattle WR Doug Baldwin (knee) didn't practice Thursday and likely will miss his second straight game.

3. Only three Dallas players have more than 30 receiving yards, with WR Cole Beasley the leader at 86 on nine receptions.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 19, Cowboys 17