This Saturday night, the Seattle Seahawks (1-0; 1-0-0 ATS) face off against the Tennessee Titans (1-0; 0-1-0 ATS) in the second part of their preseason at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, starting at 7:00 p.m. EST. The two teams last met on Christmas Eve at the same venue, where the Seahawks clinched a narrow 20-17 victory. This time, with less on the line, the question remains: which team will maintain their undefeated status in the preseason?
Defensive Dominance from Seattle
The Seahawks left their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a commanding 16-3 win. Seattle’s defensive unit showcased their prowess, holding Chargers quarterbacks to a mere 43.8% completion rate, securing three sacks, and forcing an interception. It was a clear demonstration of their ability to nullify the passing game, effectively turning the field into a no-fly zone.
New head coach Mike Macdonald aims to instill a transformative approach to a defense that struggled in 2023. Despite a promising start, concerns linger regarding the edge pass rush. Players like Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, and Uchenna Nwosu will have another opportunity to solidify their roles. Following an impressive showing against the Chargers’ wide receivers, Seattle’s cornerbacks will look to replicate their strong performance. The team’s recent acquisitions along the defensive line and in the linebacker corps will also see increased playing time, aiming to build on last week’s success.
Offensive play, however, was not as stellar. In the battle for the backup quarterback position, Sam Howell showed flashes of potential but also experienced inconsistency. His performance against the Titans will be pivotal in determining whether he or PJ Walker will back up starter Geno Smith. Other key players, including DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III, are expected to see action for the first time this preseason, allowing them to build chemistry with the offensive line, including new right guard Anthony Bradford. The Seahawks emphasized a strong ground game last week, accumulating 39 rushing attempts, with Kenny McIntosh positioning himself well for the running back three spot.
Key Injuries – Zach Charbonnet (questionable), Noah Fant (questionable), Tyler Lockett (questionable), Abraham Lucas (out), Jerrick Reed II (out), Cameron Young (out).
Nobody does it better when it comes to NFL Picks!
Titans Prepare for a Tough Challenge
The Titans showcased their starting offense in their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, scoring on both of their initial drives and ultimately winning 17-13. With a solid start already established, the upcoming game against the Seahawks will provide a significant test for players like Will Levis, Tony Pollard, and Calvin Ridley. Even without DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans’ wide receivers will face a formidable challenge against Seattle’s secondary, making for an exciting matchup.
The performance of Tennessee’s starting interior offensive line will be closely monitored to gauge their potential. The preseason also brings critical battles for roster spots, particularly in the backup quarterback race between Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph, both of whom demonstrated capabilities in the previous game. The Titans are also looking to evaluate Hassan Haskins in the running back role, as they work through their tight end rotation to secure spots on the final roster.
On the defensive side, Tennessee confronts several pressing issues, particularly regarding depth on the edge. The team must also clarify their backup inside linebacker situation, with Chance Campbell emerging as a strong candidate following an impressive performance last week. The safety positions are highly competitive as starters Quandre Diggs and Amani Hooker face challenges from Jamal Adams and Elijah Molden. The new cornerbacks will have their hands full against the Seahawks’ dynamic receiving corps, making this matchup crucial for both teams as they evaluate their defensive strategies.
Key Injuries – Jamal Adams (questionable), Caleb Farley (questionable), Luke Gifford (questionable), Tre’Shaun Harrison (questionable), DeAndre Hopkins (questionable).
Betting Insights for Seahawks vs. Titans
Seattle’s defensive performance last week suggests they are a formidable opponent. Despite not facing any starters, they effectively limited the Chargers’ scoring opportunities. In contrast, 14 of Tennessee’s 17 points were scored by starters against backup players. Therefore, the Titans may not enjoy the same early advantages in this matchup.
On the offensive front, Seattle’s lineup is equipped to challenge Tennessee’s defense throughout the game. With experienced quarterbacks and a potent set of offensive weapons, the Seahawks are well-positioned to exploit the Titans’ revamped secondary. The expectation is that the visiting team will emerge victorious in this contest.
