The Seattle Seahawks are set to face off against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Atlanta enters the game as three-point favorites, and the total points expected to be scored is 51.
Seattle, currently holding a record of 3-3 (3 wins, 3 losses), suffered a defeat against the San Francisco 49ers last Thursday, losing 36-24. This loss marks the third consecutive setback for the Seahawks after an impressive 3-0 start to the season.
On the other hand, Atlanta boasts a 4-2 record following their 38-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons have turned their season around, winning three straight games after initially starting 1-2.
Mike Briggs is having a standout NFL season, boasting a betting record of 33-21 (+11.59 units). Consider betting with Briggs this week!
Seahawks Defense Faces Significant Challenges
The Seahawks’ defense struggled significantly last week, allowing the 49ers to rack up 483 total yards in a disappointing home loss. Seattle’s offensive performance was equally troubling, as they managed just 52 rushing yards on 20 attempts (2.6 yards per carry), committed three turnovers, and received nine penalties for a total of 69 yards.
Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed concern, stating, “We’re just not doing the things that good football teams do to win football games. We need to take a breather and really dissect this.”
Quarterback Geno Smith leads the passing attack, having thrown for 1,778 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. His main targets are wide receivers DK Metcalf (31 receptions, 469 yards, 2 TDs) and Tyler Lockett (26 receptions, 339 yards, 1 TD). Running back Kenneth Walker III is the leading rusher with 234 yards and five touchdowns on 51 carries, while Zach Charbonnet supports with 187 yards and three touchdowns on 49 carries.
Seattle averages 24.3 points per game, ranking 13th in the league, with 373.2 total yards (7th). However, their rushing game is lagging at 96.5 yards per game (29th). They have committed ten turnovers, ranking third-most in the NFL, and have a third-down conversion rate of 38.6% (20th).
The defense, allowing 25.0 points per game (25th), has forced only four turnovers, ranking third-fewest in the league. Opponents are converting 33.7% of their third-down attempts (8th) against them.
Key injuries include: LB Bofe Maye (knee), OT Stone Forsythe (hand), C Connor Williams (chest), DE Leonard Williams (knee), G Anthony Bradford (toe), CB Tre Brown (ankle), CB Tariq Woolen (ankle), and DT Byron Murphy II (hamstring), all of whom are questionable.
Falcons’ Multi-Faceted Offense Poses Threat
The Falcons showcased their offensive versatility in last week’s win against the Panthers, where their ground game produced 198 yards and three touchdowns. The defense also stepped up, recording two interceptions. Atlanta’s ability to attack through both the run and pass makes them difficult to defend against.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins leads the Falcons, having thrown for 1,598 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions in his first season with Atlanta, completing 66.7% of his passes. His top receiving targets include Drake London (38 receptions, 428 yards, 4 TDs), Darnell Mooney (27 receptions, 368 yards, 3 TDs), and Kyle Pitts (18 receptions, 263 yards, 1 TD). The running game is powered by Bijan Robinson (82 carries, 380 yards, 3 TDs) and Tyler Allgeier (51 carries, 283 yards, 1 TD).
The Falcons average 24.8 points (11th) and 368.3 total yards (8th), with 254.7 passing yards (6th) and 113.7 rushing yards (21st). They have committed seven turnovers and converted 34.3% of their third-down attempts (23rd).
The defense allows 22.5 points (15th) and 335.7 total yards (17th), with 193.0 passing yards (9th) and 142.7 rushing yards (25th). Atlanta has forced seven turnovers, but opponents have converted 48.1% of their third-down attempts (31st).
Key injuries include: LB Nate Landman (calf), LB Lorenzo Carter (concussion), and LB Troy Andersen (knee), all of whom are questionable.
Betting Insights for Seahawks vs. Falcons
The Seahawks have struggled against the spread, with a record of 7-14 in their last 21 games, reflecting a -5.05 unit loss and a -22% return on investment.
Seattle’s current injury situation on both lines raises concern. In contrast, the Falcons are performing well, having secured three consecutive wins. Atlanta’s recent ground game success and Cousins’ aerial dominance create a challenging scenario for the Seahawks. Although Seattle started the season strong, their recent performances against weaker opponents have raised doubts, especially following their nine-point loss to the Giants.
The Seahawks’ inability to establish a strong rushing game—averaging under 100 yards per game—hampers their overall effectiveness. With their recent turnover issues, they may struggle to keep pace with Atlanta’s dynamic offense.
As a result, betting on Atlanta to cover the three-point spread seems prudent.
